No one vs. anyone

[Alfredo]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #103 "Agatha Christie test questions", question 9

Agatha Christie didn't tell ......... why she disappeared in December 1926.

(a) someone
(b) anyone
(c) no one

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #103 "Agatha Christie test questions", answer 9

Agatha Christie didn't tell anyone why she disappeared in December 1926.

Correct answer: (b) anyone
_________________________

Hi,

Could you explain me what is the difference between no one and anyone?

Alfredo - Mexican student

[Conchita]

No one (or 'nobody') means 'no person' and is used in positive sentences:

There's no one there.
No one/nobody's perfect.

Anyone (or 'anybody') means 'some person' and is used in questions and negatives:

Has anyone seen Agatha?
She won't speak to anyone.

NB: Double negatives are usually avoided in English. You should say either 'I saw no one there' or 'I didn't see anyone there'.