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Teleostomi Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

any

(1) Do you have any sister? [strange]

(2) Is there any school in this area?

I think (1) sounds strange. What about (2)?
  

Top answer

Do you have any sisterS? Are there any schools in this area? Is there a school in this area?

— BarbaraPA

  • Do you have any sisterS?
  • Are there any schools in this area?
  • Is there a school in this area?
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7 Answers
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Do you have any sisterS?

Are there any schools in this area? Is there a school in this area?
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Grammar GeekDo you have any sisterS?

Are there any schools in this area? Is there a school in this area?

yes. It must be like this.
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Would you tell me the reason why my English Japanese dictionary covers such an "unnatural" example?
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In this context, I'd say "any" means "any number of", so the word that follows "any" must be in the plural.

In other contexts, such as "I don't have any brother", not any means "no" (not a single one), and it can be in the singular.
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Hi Pieanne,

I'm always concerned when I disagree with people of your standing, and I wonder if it's an "American" thing, but I would find "I don't have any brother" to be wrong in most cases. I don't have a brother or I don't have any brothers sound correct when you're making a general statement.

The only time I can make this sounds right is in a conversation:
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Oh, Grammar Geek, don't feel concerned because of me! (And what standing are you referring to? Emotion: tongue tied I'm not a native!)

I
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Oh, Grammar Geek, don't feel concerned because of me! (And what standing are you referring to? Emotion: tongue tied I'm not a native!)

I
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