'Any' can be very tricky to use. It's not uncommon for a learner to make mistakes when using the word 'any'. First, I'd like to give you some sentences for you to get the picture:
Have you got any books to read?
I haven't got any (books).
I haven't got any help, either.
Are you feeling any better now?
Any book will do - I just want something to read.
If any of them want(s) to join in the discussion, just let me know.
Is it any good/use crying over spilt milk?
So, you can see, 'any' is usually used in questions and negatives. Yes, it's normally used in front of plural or uncountable nouns to talk about a quantity or number without being precise. 'Any' can also be used with a singular noun in an affirmtive sentence to emphasize that 'it doesn't matter which'.
You could write one or two paragraphs by using the word 'any' as much as possible.
Sample paragraph (by Expector)
Have you ever joined in any writing or blog challenges? If you haven't joined in any, then it's time you did so. Any wrting challenge can be so fun, and any of you is/are encouraged to join in or initiate a blog challenge like this. You'll never be excluded from any such challenges. Moreover, there's the bonus that any member here could help correct any mistake(s) in your blog. You can join us any time. Any questions?
Your turn...
Comments
Hi valentina,
Thank you for joining in the challenge! Yes, 'any' can be so tricky to use. I hope other members will give it a shot, too!
Do you like any pets more than cats? Can anybody be indifferent to those "perfect works of art"? It was Leonardo da Vinci who said that any cat is a prfect work of art. Does anybody disagree? Anyway, I'd like to share a poem by Mary Britton Miller:
Cats
Cats sleep
Anywhere,
Any table,
Any chair,
Top of piano,
Window-edge,
Open drawer,
Empty shoe,
Anybody's
Lap will do,
Fitted in a
Cardboard box,
With your frocks -
Anywhere!
They don't care!
Cats sleep
Anywhere.
And one more thing: dear people! Any challenge is not just for saying 'yeah, it's nice, good job, thank you etc.' If you don't try to do what an author involve you in, then it wasn't a challenge for you. If you really like it, try to practise. Any effort of yours will be rewarded with more and more confidence in using the language you learn. I appreciate your work here, dear Expector Smith.
Great, Fahime! I'll check it out immediately.
I like this challenge. The usage of 'any' confuses me really but by reading your blog I think I will be no confused more. Thank you dear Expector.
Any sweets? ;-) is my second writing challenge.
Thanks Onee! I'm looking forward to reading your blog soon.
I want to join your challenge this time. I hope I can write this week, but still not sure.. Exam days, Doc. :(
Thank you for this challenge. It's useful and you're right that it's so tricky.
@Hurieh
Good question! Yes, to your first question, for example, 'Do any members here want to help answer the question?' I used 'Do' instead of 'Does' in the sentence.
No, you shouldn't use 'any' with a singular noun in questions. You can use 'any' with a singular noun in an affirmative sentence to emphasize 'it doesn't matter which'.
@Afro
Thanks for asking. When 'any of' is followed by a plural noun or pronoun, the verb can be singular or plural, e.g. 'If any of the members want(s) to help answer the question, I'll appreciate it.'
In the second sentence, 'any mistake' means 'whatever mistake you may make', while 'any mistakes' means 'if there are any mistakes'.
Hope you get it! Tricky questions! Thanks again.
Dear Expector Smith,
I came across with a question in this regard.
I've heard that in questions, if the noun after any is uncountable we should use the singular form of the verb, but if it is countable we have to use the plural form.
How far is this statement true? I mean is it possible to use the singular form of a noun (countable) after "any" in a question ?
Thanks so much in advance.
Here is my attempt Expector:
http://www.myenglishclub.com/profiles/blogs/is-there-any-thing-i-ca...
Dear Expector, Thank you for the lovely challenge.This is my try.
Is this any better?
http://www.myenglishclub.com/profiles/blogs/expector-s-blog-challen...
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