Is there any refers to a singular or uncountable object, while are there any is used for multiple items or things you can count.
“Is there any” is used when you’re thinking about a single item or something uncountable, like water or sand. On the other hand, “are there any” is used when you’re thinking about several items that you can count, like books or apples.
Neither of these phrases is incorrect, but picking the right one is crucial for proper language use. Knowing the basic difference between them can help you communicate more effectively.
“Is There Any” vs “Are There Any”: Differences and usage
The choice between “is there any” and “are there any” depends on the kind of noun you’re referring to. Use “is there any” when talking about a single item or something you can’t count. On the other hand, use “are there any” when discussing multiple items or things that can be counted.
“Is” goes with singular or uncountable nouns, showing a single thing or a quantity that can’t be divided. “Are” goes with plural nouns, showing multiple things that can be counted.
For example:
If you’re talking about a single or uncountable noun, you would say, “Is there any milk in the fridge?”
For plural nouns, you would say, “Are there any cookies left?”
To make it simpler:
- Use “is there any” with uncountable nouns like water, sand, or air. These nouns don’t have a plural form and represent something that can’t be split into separate parts.
- Choose “are there any” with countable nouns like books, apples, or cars. These nouns have both singular and plural forms and can be counted as individual units.
Here is a quick glance table to help you understand:
| Singular or Non-Countable Noun | Plural or Countable Noun |
| Is there any bread in the pantry? | Are there any slices of bread left? |
| Is there any chance of rain? | Are there any days with a high chance of rain? |
| Is there any information on this topic? | Are there any articles on this subject? |
Is there any: Explained
When you want to know about the existence of something, and you’re not sure if it exists, you use the phrase “Is there any.”
Here’s how you employ it correctly:
- Usage with Uncountable Nouns
- You say, “Is there any water in the bottle?” because water is uncountable.
- Similarly, you inquire, “Is there any information on the topic?”
- Singular Form
- Despite referring to something that might be available in large quantity (like sugar or love), the verb remains singular.
- For example: “Is there any sugar left in the jar?”
Keep in mind, when you use “is there any”, you’re asking about a whole substance or concept, not individual items. This phrase doesn’t work well with nouns that you can count.
Are there any: Explained
When you use “are there any”, you’re usually referring to multiple items, especially when you’re unsure if they exist or how many there might be. This is known as the plural form in grammar because it points to several things.
So, when you ask a question using “are there any”, you’re essentially trying to find out if there are multiple objects or people around or available.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use it:
- Start with “are”: This is the plural form of the verb “to be,” which you use when dealing with many things.
- Add “there”: This word often comes after “are” to introduce the existence of something.
- Follow with “any”: This word suggests a non-specific amount. It can mean one, two, several, or many.
- End with a plural noun: This is the thing you are asking about, such as “books,” “ideas,” or “people.”
Here are some examples of how to use “are there any”:
- Are there any cookies left in the jar?
- Are there any students in the classroom right now?
“Is there any” vs “Is there a”
When you’re asking if something exists, picking between “is there any” and “is there a” depends on the situation and the kind of noun you’re talking about.
Use “is there any” with uncountable nouns or with plural countable nouns when you don’t know or don’t need to specify the number. It’s used when asking about the existence of something we can’t or don’t count. For example:
- Is there any water in the bottle?
- Is there any truth to the rumors?
On the other hand, “is there a” is used when asking about a specific, singular countable item. Use it when you want the answer to tell you if one particular thing exists or is present. Here are some examples:
- Is there a reason we can’t go?
- Is there a book on the shelf about gardening?
These phrases help show the type of answer you’re looking for—whether it’s about uncountable things, abstract concepts (like information or happiness), or individual items you can count.
Examples of using ‘is there any’ in a sentence:
“Is there any sugar left in the pantry?”
“Is there any chance you could help me move this weekend?”
“Is there any evidence to support your claim?”
“Is there any reason we can’t discuss this now?”
“Is there any leftover pizza from last night?”
Examples of using ‘Are there any’ in a sentence:
“Are there any apples left in the basket?”
“Are there any letters for me in the mailbox?”
“Are there any new vacancies at your hotel?”
“Are there any discounts available for students?”
“Are there any tickets left for the concert tonight?
