Is there or Are there

Question

Are there any differences between "Are there any XXXs?" and " Is there a XXX?"?

If you expect there are some restaurants, do you ask "Are there any restaurants?" and if you don't expect or one restaurant is enough, do you ask "Is there a restaurant?"?

Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

If you expect there are some restaurants, do you ask "Are there any restaurants?"

Perhaps, but perhaps not. I might ask, "Are there any Tex-Mex restaurants in Tokyo?" I haven't a clue if there is even one. I might want to know if there will be a choice, should I go there on a trip and suddenly get a craving for an enchilada!

if you don't expect any or one restaurant is enough, do you ask "Is there a restaurant?"

It's more likely that I am asking about a specific location.
"Is there a restaurant on the corner of Main and First Street?"

Mister Micawber · Answer

MakiasanAre there any differences between "Are there any XXXs?" and " Is there a ***?"?

Native speakers usually use the plural version (like 'Lions are beautiful animals') unless we have something more specific in mind or the singular is otherwise legislated by context; however, your comment is quite accurate, I think:

MakiasanIf you expect there are some restaurants, you ask "Are there any restaurants?" and if you don't expect or one restaurant is enough, you ask "Is there a restaurant?"

Makiasan · Answer

Thank you very much, AlpheccaStars and Mister Micawber!!

Maki

Is there or Are there

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