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Kooyeen Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

any (1)

Hi,
here we go again, "any"... I read this on Google:

In addition to virus protection that automatically scans your attachments and tries to remove any viruses found in them, Gmail also doesn't send or receive any executable files since most computer viruses are contained in executable files.

Shouldn't that be "any virus", singular? As far as I know, when "any" means "any one, it doesn't matter witch" it is always used in the singular.
Thanks Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

I don't know if there is a rule about "any" always being singular, but it doesn't bother me to use it in the plural. " "Anyone" or "any one" would take the singular. ) I'm not sure of the rule, but that's what sounds right to me.

— Khoff

  • I don't know if there is a rule about "any" always being singular, but it doesn't bother me to use it in the plural.
  • " "Anyone" or "any one" would take the singular.
  • ) I'm not sure of the rule, but that's what sounds right to me.
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10 Answers
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I don't know if there is a rule about "any" always being singular, but it doesn't bother me to use it in the plural.

"We will try to answer any questions you might have." "I don't want any walruses in my living room."

"Anyone" or "any one" would take the singular. "Does anyone have a question?" "Here are some books -- take any one that appeals to you." (just take one) "Here
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"any one, it doesn't matter witch"
Vergogna!1Emotion: smile
____

"any"
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KooyeenHi,

As far as I know, when "any" means "any one, it doesn't matter witch" it is always used in the singular.

Not correct. "Any" can be used with plural nouns.

She can solve any problem for you. (= every problem, no matter what it is)

I don't think there are any tickets left.
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Yoong LiatAs far as I know, when "any" means "any one, it doesn't matter witch" it is always used in the singular.

Not correct. "Any" can be used with plural nouns.

She can solve any problem for you. (= every problem, no matter what it is) ---> this is the kind of "any" I am talking about, and you used the singular
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Hi Kooyeen

I think your virus sentence could use the singular or the plural, but saying "any viruses" allows for the fact that an email could theoretically contain more than one virus.

Ahem! "Any children has" is always incorrect -- with or without 'any'.
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I suspect this only applies when the subject is involved.
I think we're on the right track.
And yet:

Any children found in possession of illegal substances will be placed on suspension for a month.

This doesn't seem wrong to me, but the following does seem wrong.

Any children will be placed on suspension if found in possession o
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Those are good examples, Jim. "Children" is limited to a specific "type" in the subject of your first sentence... and allows for the possibility that more than one might be found in possession of the substances? What do you think?
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CalifJim Go figure!
Yes, go figure! After all, understanding how "any" is used is not simple!
But I think your explanations are enough for now. Thank you very much to all of you!
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But I think your explanations are enough for now.
Do you think you can make us go away that easily? Emotion: wink
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CalifJim
The plural is very common in only one construction that I noticed -- the question form of there are -- sometimes, as telegraphic style, are there is even missing!

Are there any plumbers out there who can help me?
Any students in California who know something about calculus?
Are there any really interesting ways to decor
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