Which one is correct?

Question

Do you have any pens? OR  Do you have any pen? Thanks

Salam1101 · Accepted Answer

Anyone?

Miriam · Answer

Hello, Salam

When you are dealing with countable nouns, you use the plural form after "any". This, however, is a very broad statement, and there are several exceptions. But if you want to make sure you are writing/saying the correct thing, it's safe to follow this rule, at least until you are confident enough with it and you can go on to the next step (the exceptions).

So, your question will be:
"Do you have any pens?"

If you're tying to borrow a pen from someone because you forgot yours, you could simply say "Do you have a pen?/an extra pen?"

If you were asking for money, which is an uncountable noun, you'd say:
"Do you have any money?" (not "moneys")
And you cannot use "a" or "an" with uncountable nouns. You cannot say "a money".

The same rule applies to negative statements and negative questions.
But when you use "any" in an affirmative statement, the word has a slightly different meaning, so the "rule" changes. I won't bother you with that now if it isn't necessary.

Hope it helps.

Miriam

Salam1101 · Answer

Miriam,thanks so much for your reply.

Miriam · Answer

You're welcome, Salam <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Nanajai · Answer

If you want to borrow better t ouse "do you have a pen?"

Which one is correct?

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