[Grammar] Any in positive sentences

[Marina Gaidar]

Hi!

Am I right to consider the usage of "any" unappropriate here "The aim of this report is to recommend any changes"? Shouldn't it be "some" instead?

Thanks in advance.

 

[5jj]

You are right.

Despite what some people appear to believe 'any' is possible in affirmative sentences. However, it doesn't work in yours.

Incidentally. 'some' isn't terribly natural if that sentence is part of the report. More appropriate would be 'certain changes', 'a number of changes' or just 'changes'.

ps. The word is 'inappropriate'.

 

[bhaisahab]

It would be OK with "necessary" after "any".

 

[Raymott]

I think it depends on whether the report has been written or not. "Any necessary changes" (or similar) is fine if it hasn't been completed yet.
But you couldn't use that sentence when presenting the completed report. (5jj seems to be assuming it's already completed; bhai, that it is not.)