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Any x No

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Emanuelli

Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2004
1. I've just seen two different definitions for the use of "any". In a British dictionary, I was told to use any with: uncountable nouns/countable nouns in the singular or plural, while in the other one, I was told to use "any" with uncountable nouns or countable nouns in the plural. What should I do?
Example: I don't have any book. / I have no book.
or: I don't have any books. / I have no books.

2. You answered that I always need to use "a" or "an" before countable nouns, so how can I say the following sentences:

a) I have a nickname. / I have nickname.
b) I don't have nickname. / I don't have a nickname.
c) What kinds of books do you like?
d) What kind of book do you like?

3. Can I use only the auxiliary in the following answers?
a) Who is your friend? Mr. Song is. (instead of Mr. Song is my friend)
b) Who lives with you? My sister does. (instead of My sister lives with me.)
c) Who did the exercise? Bob did. (instead of Bob did the exercise)

Thanks.
 
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Casiopea

VIP Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2003
Member Type
Other
The following are all correct.

I don't have any books.
I have no books.

I have a nickname.
I don't have a nickname.

What kinds of books do you like?
What kind of book is it?

Who is your friend? Mr. Song is.
Who lives with you? My sister does.
Who did the exercise? Bob did.
 

Steven D

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2004
Member Type
English Teacher
Casiopea said:
The following are all correct.

I don't have any books.
I have no books.

I have a nickname.
I don't have a nickname.

What kinds of books do you like?
What kind of book is it?

Who is your friend? Mr. Song is.
Who lives with you? My sister does.
Who did the exercise? Bob did.
While "What kinds of books do you like?" sounds more typical, would you completely rule out "What kind of book do you like?" as being correct? It's okay to me.

What about, "What kind of book do you like to read?"

What about, "What kind of books do you like to read?" - This would emphasize "one kind of book". Anyway, I was just wondering if, to you, it is wrong.

:?:
 

Casiopea

VIP Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2003
Member Type
Other
Specific: "What kind of book do you like (to read)?"
General: "What kind(s) of books do you like to read?"
 
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