Any/some problems/problem

[Rachel Adams]

Can I use either "problem" or problems" in my first sentence and is it wrong to use "any" and "some" with a singular noun as in sentence #2?

1. "I don't think there will be any problem/problems."

2. "I think there will be some/any problems/problem."

 

[emsr2d2]

Use "any problems" in #1. We use "any" in negative statements and questions:

Do you have any water?
We don't have any water.
Were there any problems?
There weren't any problems.

Use "some problems" in 2. It's a positive statement ("I think", not "I don't think").

 

[Yankee]

1. Either one works in most situations but, as usual, context rules! E.G. "Security at the games is always great. I don't think there will be any problems." Or, "I never include my laptop in my carry-on. I don't think there will be any problem."
2. A. "I don't have my ID." B. "I think there will be some problem."