is there some/no sugar

[ademoglu]

Hi,

I've come across the question below on Facebook. The question was asked by a non-native speaker of English.

Is there ......... sugar in the kitchen?

A: any
B: some
C: no
D: a

I said to him that all the options except for 'D' is OK but he said only 'A' is OK. And I felt confused. I know it is very easy for you but could you please help me with it?

Thanks.

 

[emsr2d2]

You're right. We can use A, B or C depending on what we want to ask.

 

[Tdol]

Many grammar books say that any is used in questions, and it is, but it is not the only form used in questions- b & c are also possible here.

 

[Tarheel]

A: Is there any sugar in the kitchen?
B: Yes, it's right next to the flour.
A: Good. I want to bake some cookies.
B: Help yourself.

A: Is there some sugar in the kitchen?
B: Yes. A little
A: I just want to put some in my coffee.
B: There is enough then.

In the third scenario the person has been looking for sugar and hasn't found any.

A: Is there no sugar in the kitchen?
B: No, there isn't any. I guess I'll have to get some more when I go to the store.