"If any" vs "If a"

[subhajit123]

Hi there, I have provided some sentences below. What's the difference between "if a" and "if any" in the sentences. I think all of them are correct and mean the same thing. I don't know what the difference is. I always use them interchangeably in this kind of context. Can someone please tell me how I should choose the correct word?

1- If a/any student is found smoking in the classroom, he or she will be rusticated.

2- As per the new tax law, If a/any ​house is situated in a metropolitan city, 15 percent tax will be charged on the value of it.


If there is anything ungrammatical in my post, please correct it.

 

[Tarheel]

I would use a in both examples. What does "rusticated" mean?

 

[subhajit123]

I would use a in both examples. What does "rusticated" mean?

It means 'suspend a student from a school, a college or a university'

 

[Tarheel]

In Dictionary.com it is specifically noted as British. (Definition 3.)

www.dictionary.com

 

[Raymott]

I've never come across 'rusticated' either, even though we tend to follow the British in things school-related. It sounds like either i) they're sent to a country school or ii) they're made to stand in the rain til they turn rusty.

 

[Tarheel]

I've never come across 'rusticated' either, even though we tend to follow the British in things school-related. It sounds like either i) they're sent to a country school or ii) they're made to stand in the rain til they turn rusty.

A rather unusual punishment, I think.
:lol:

 

[subhajit123]

Thank you everyone. Could you please tell me what the difference would be if I used "any" instead of "a" in both the sentences. :roll:

 

[Tarheel]

If any students are found smoking in class....