The pronoun любой (anyone, all, either, any)

 

The definitive pronouns любой (every, each) denotes one of a number of similar objects or persons

The pronoun любой (any) is sometimes used to denote a possible choice of one out of a number of similar objects, which is preferred (because it is the most suitable one or is liked more than all the others).

 

Проессор разрешил студента выбирать любую тему.

The professor allowed the student to choose any subject.

 

Дождь ожидается в любое время.   

Rain is expected any time.

 

Любой used in this meaning cannot be replaced by the pronoun каждый or всякий.

 

Compare:

Эта книга есть в любой (or каждой) библиотеке     

This book is available at any (or every) library.
           

But

 

Зайди в любую аптеку и купи это лекарство.

Drop in any medical store and buy this medicine.

 

The pronoun любой is also used with the meaning all sorts of, various:

 

В  нашей  библиотеке  любая книга.

There are all sorts of books in our library.

 

Он читал любые стихотворения

He read all sorts of verses.

        

Он рассказывал любые интересные события.

He  told  all  sorts of interesting incidents.

*    *    *