Is and are

Question

Which is correct?1. I need to know if any of you is an expert.2. I need to know if any of you are an expert

Philip · Accepted Answer

Technically, the first is correct.
Unfortunately, the second is also very common. It could be corrected to "if any of you are experts ".

Yoong Liat · Answer

Below is from the Collins Cobuild Dictionary. 'Any' can take a singular or plural noun depending on context.

You use any in statements with negative meaning to indicate that no thing or person of a particular type exists, is present, or is involved in a situation.
   I never make any big decisions...
   We are doing this all without any support from the hospital...
   Earlier reports were unable to confirm that there were any survivors...
   QUANT QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n
   Any is also a quantifier.

   You don't know any of my friends...
   **** **** after v
   Any is also a pronoun.
   The children needed new school clothes and Kim couldn't afford any.
       2 DET DET pl-n/n-uncount
   You use any in questions and conditional clauses to ask whether there is some of a particular thing or some of a particular group of people, or to suggest that there might be.
   Do you speak any foreign languages?...
   Have you got any cheese I can have with this bread?
   QUANT QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n
   Any is also a quantifier.
   Have you ever used a homeopathic remedy for any of the following reasons?
   **** **** after v
   Any is also a pronoun.
   The plants are inspected for insects and if I find any, they are squashed.
       3 DET
   You use any in positive statements when you are referring to someone or something of a particular kind that might exist, occur, or be involved in a situation, when their exact identity or nature is not important.
Any actor will tell you that it is easier to perform than to be themselves...
   I'm prepared to take any advice...
   QUANT QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n
   Any is also a quantifier.
   It had been the biggest mistake any of them could remember.
   ****
   Any is also a pronoun.
   Clean the mussels and discard any that do not close.
   5 PHRASE PHR n
   If you say that someone or something is not just any person or thing, you mean that they are special in some way.

   It's fashionable for young people to wear trainers, but not just any trainers.

Anonymous · Answer

Philip, is there a rule stating that the first is definitely correct?

Clive · Answer

Hi guys,
With regard to I need to know if any of you is an expert, I suggest that we often avoid any perceived awkwardness by paraphrasing,

eg I need to know if anyone here is an expert.

Best wishes, Clive
.

Anonymous · Answer

the answer is "is".  Any is an indefinite singular pronoun

Is and are

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