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Cat desk Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Singular countable nouns after "there isn't any"

Can I ever use singular countable nouns after there isn't any? I have read many books that say any can be used with both singular and plural countable nouns. Though plural nouns is more more common in negative sentences. I sometimes see native speakers also use any with singular countable nouns in negative sentences. What is the rule?

Here's the example:

  • There isn't any pen in my bag.

I know most people would say "There are no pens.." or "There are not any pens..." but when can I use any with singular countable nouns in negative sentences? I cannot provide any context. I am sorry for that.

  

Top answer

Native speakers are not always grammatically perfect. There isn't any money in my bag. There are no pens in my bag.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Native speakers are not always grammatically perfect.
  • There isn't any money in my bag.
  • There are no pens in my bag.
  • There aren't any pens in my bag.
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3 Answers
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Native speakers are not always grammatically perfect.

There isn't any money in my bag.
There are no pens in my bag.
There aren't any pens in my bag.
References:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/quantifiers/any

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It's possible in non-affirmatives with some nouns:

Unfortunately, there isn't any job lined up for you today.

There wasn't any candidate who expressed a view about this.








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cat deskThere isn't any pen in my bag.

I'd take "any" as an emphatic form of "a" in that sentence.

I usually hear "any" in that context when the speaker is protesting, as if he has just been called a liar.

— Can I borrow a pen?
— I don't have a pen.
— Yes, you do. I just saw you put a pen in your bag.
— T

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