Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
I just want to know how to use the word "any" correctly. I know that "any" is generally followed by (1) plural countable nouns or (2) singular uncountable nouns or (3) used in "anyone, anything, etc." as a singular noun, such as:
(1) Do you have any books ?
(2) I don't have any sugar.
(3) Does anyone want to solve this homework ?
However, sometimes I see "any" used with a singular countable noun (4):
(4) Any student would be fine !
Could you advise me when to use "any" in (4), and give me some more examples as of when to use "any" in this case.
Thank you very much
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
It means, whichever one is chosen. The example my dictionary gives is, Any fool knows.
(4) Any student would be fine! ~ Whichever student you choose would be fine!
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
Thanks for your prompt answer.
So, in that sense, what should I use in the following sentence:
"You can take any book(s) you like"
I guess it should be "book" (without s) as it means "whichever book you like".
If Yes, does : "you can take any books you like" work ?
Thanks again.
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
You're most welcome.
[1] You can take any book you want. (Just one book)
[2] You can take any books you want. (As many books as you want)
Does that help?
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
Thanks again. It really helps. But I have a follow-up question again.
If I say:
"Any students would be fine."
Is it correct ?
And if yes, should the meaning be: whichever students (must be more than one) would be fine.
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
Hmm. I understand the sentence, but it "feels" awkward.
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
So, does your answer mean:
"Any students who want to join me please step out" is awkwards, and
"Any student who wants to join me please step out" is natural
???
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
The following sentence sounds awkward to me:
"Any students would be fine."
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
Oh, that's not the one I wanted to ask. Could you let me know which one is correct:
"Any students who want to join me please step out" is awkwards, and
"Any student who wants to join me please step out" is natural
???
Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
The following sentence sounds awkward to me:
"Any students would be fine."
Re: Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.
:-D It's similar to:
[1] You can take any book you want. (just one book)
[2] You can take any books you want. (as many books as you want)
[3] Any students who want to join me please step out. (many are welcome)
[4] Any student who wants to join me please step out. (just one is welcome)
As for [4], many students might step out, but only one will be picked.