Is there anyone in that room? OR Is anybody here?

[Li Chyan]

Hello!
I've got several confusing questions.
1) I've always adhered to the rule saying that one should use 'any' in questions and negative sentences and 'some' in affirmative ones. However, when it comes to using "someone/anyone", I often get confused. Let's take the simplest example:
Is there anyone in that room? (correct?) OR Is anybody here?
Is there someone outside peeping into the window? (correct?)
2) The next question of mine is also very simple, however I would rather someone clear up my confusion.
How should one ask if he doesn't know what the thing/object is? (excuse my odd wording :) ) "What is this/that?" And how should the other person reply? E.g. "This/that is a book. OR It's a book".
3) What is the difference between "named" and "called"? For instance, "there is one student called Amy Smith....OR there is one student named Amy Smith"?
Thanking in advance!

[Cerberus™]

1. You are right that "any-" is more common in questions, but "some-" is possible as well. You would use "any-" when you expect a negative answer (like "no", "nobody"), "some-" when your question is neutral. The classical example is when you are visiting an Englishman, and he asks whether you want more tea: "would you like some more tea?" means just what it says; "would you like any more tea?" means he expects you to say no, because he really wants to kick you out but is too polite to say it. This is of course exaggerated, but there is some truth in the general distinction.

[Li Chyan]

Thnx a lot Cerberus :) However, the rest of my questions have not been answered yet :(

[Planta]

[Li Chyan]

Planta, much obliged for such an explicit explanation. :)

[Planta]

Hello Li Chyan,

I am glad I could help! =o)
Let's now address this one remaining matter...