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Starstuff Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Any + [singular] or [plural]

For example, people always say "Is there anyone left behind?" but never "Are there any people left behind?"

However, are the following sentences both correct?

Is there any book you want to read?
Are there any books you want to read?

If yes, why? I was taught that plurals should never be used after "any", but I think I must have misunderstood something. So, when can plurals be used after "any"?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

"Any" can be followed by the plural. Do you have any tickets for tonight's performance? Do you have any quarters for the parking meter?

— AlpheccaStars

  • "Any" can be followed by the plural.
  • Do you have any tickets for tonight's performance?
  • Do you have any quarters for the parking meter?
  • The fire drill is over.
  • Are there any people remaining in the building?
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5 Answers
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"Any" can be followed by the plural.

Do you have any tickets for tonight's performance?
Do you have any quarters for the parking meter?
The fire drill is over. Are there any people remaining in the building?
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AlpheccaStars"Any" can be followed by the plural.
Do you have any quarters for the parking meter?

Thanks for your reply. Is it also right to say "Do you have any quarter (singular) for the parking meter?" Or do I have to use plural here?

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Starstuff"Is there anyone left behind?" but never "Are there any people left behind?
I say it all the time!
StarstuffHowever, are the following sentences both correct?

Is there any book you want to read?
Are there any books you want to read?
Both correct.
StarstuffSo, when can plurals be
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Starstuff"Do you have any quarter (singular) for the parking meter?" Or do I have to use plural here?
It's grammatical, but it would be taken as "Do you have one which is suitable?"
In everyday use, "any" would be followed by the plural in your example.

If you knew that your friend carried the old silver quarters in his pocket for luck, and didn't
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