Usage of "any"

Question

Hi there, I have a question. I have asked many questions regarding the usage of 'any'. Now I know in questions we use 'any' with plural nouns. Or we use indefinite article 'a/an'. But no grammar book says that 'any' with singular nouns is wrong. It says that it is relatively uncommon. Thus we prefer to say:

1- Do you have a book?

2_ Do you have any books?

But can you explain a situation where I can use any with "singular nouns" in a question? Can I ever say "Do you have any pen?" In the grammar book "The Cambridge grammar of the English language" there are a few examples where 'any' is used with singular nouns in negative sentences. But in case of questions, I did not get any examples. I have attached images of the pages of the grammar book.

Image no. 1

Image no.2

Joseph A · Accepted Answer

Hello cat desk,

About two years ago, I asked the same question as yours on this forum. Please look at CalifJim's answer in the link below:

Best wishes,

Joseph

BillJ · Answer

The relevant examples with count singulars that you cited from CGEL can be made into interrogatives, for example:

[32 iii] Do you have any job lined up for me today?

[33 ii] Did any candidate express a view on this?

The example of an emphatic riposte at the top of page 382 can also be changed into an interrogative:

Do you have any car? (emphasis on "any")

And in the free-choice use of "any" (which you didn't mention) as in:

[34 ii] Would any teacher be able to help me?

(Note that CGEL generally gives examples with positive polarity, reserving interrogatives for chapter 10.)

CalifJim · Answer

cat deskIn the grammar book "The Cambridge grammar of the English language" there are a few examples where 'any' is used with singular nouns in negative sentences. But in case of questions, I did not get any examples.

Here are some questions with 'any' plus a singular countable noun.

Is there any device that would allow me to use the XD card with the photo frame?
Is there any way to avoid Delaware if you are just going to southern New Jersey?
Does Rockhampton have any plan for creating a beachside environment for Workers?
Do they provide any kind of a valuable service beyond serving their own agendas?
Is there any change in the pattern of where houses are falling into foreclosure?
Would any normal mother drag a baby through a tropical swamp?
Would you ever consider working for any news network other than Fox News?
Is there any tale in modern art quite like that of his flight to the South Seas?
Do we have any alternative other than community college and then a state school?
Is there any objection for me handling this motion to compel on this issue only?
Was there any hint that any thing like this could happen?
Is there any reason to think that the United States is immune to similar swings?
How in the world would they be able to resist any man wearing Star Trek cologne?
Has any prisoner on an indeterminate sentence ever served more than the minimum?
Do you know of any vehicle that offers the sliding door but still is car-height?

CJ

Usage of "any"

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