Quote:
Originally Posted by tzfujimino  a.I don't have sisters.
b.I don't have any sisters.
Are they both correct?
I've asked a similar question before.
But I still don't understand.
Please help me.  |
Did you ask it here? I don't want to get anyone's wires crossed! (If so, a pointer would help.)
But yes they are;
b is much the more common in most contexts, but in one like this
a would be possible:
"Do you come from a big family?"
"Well, I don't have
sisters, but I
do have three brothers."
Even here, an "any" would be likely; but it would be acceptable to omit it. (In fact, I can't think of a context where "any"
wouldn't be right, so if in doubt include it.... (I
think that's safe advice - could another teacher confirm this?
)
b
ps
You could even front it:
"Want some chocolate? ... Take the whole bar."
"I couldn't - that's far too much for just me."
"OK, share it with your sisters."
"Sisters I don't have; only brothers."
(This sort of fronting is quite common - see Swan, 513).