“Is There Any” vs “Are There Any”: Rules, Examples, and Other Ways to Ask

By Saqlain Ali · Updated October 2026

Quick answer: Use “is there any” with uncountable nouns (Is there any milk?) and “are there any” with plural countable nouns (Are there any cookies?). For a singular countable noun, use “is there a” (Is there a pharmacy nearby?). The verb agrees with the noun, not with the word “any.” For different tones, you can ask “Do you have any…?” (friendly), “I was wondering if there’s any…” (polite), or “Please advise if any…” (formal).

Every English learner hits this wall. You want to ask a simple question, such as whether there is any coffee left, and you stall on is there any or are there any. It feels like a small grammar hiccup, but it shapes how clear and natural you sound. Real conversations also need other ways to ask, whether you are chatting with a friend, writing a formal email, or speaking in a meeting.

This guide explains the rule, the exceptions people actually hear, and alternatives for formal, informal, and professional situations. It ends with a short practice set and answers to common questions.

The Rule at a Glance

What Does “Is There Any / Are There Any” Mean?

Both structures ask whether something exists, is available, or is possible. Grammarians call this an existential construction: is/are + there + a quantifier like any. In questions, English changes some to any: “There is some time” becomes “Is there any time?” and “There are some seats” becomes “Are there any seats?”

Examples:

• “Is there any sugar left in the pantry?”
• “Are there any seats available for the 7 p.m. showing?”

How to Choose: A Quick Test

Look at the noun after any, not at any itself.

1. Can you count it and make it plural? (seat, seats) Use are there any.
2. Can you not count it? (water, information, time, money) Use is there any.
3. Is it one countable thing? (a pharmacy, a seat) Use is there a.

Common uncountable nouns include water, milk, sugar, time, money, information, advice, furniture, hope, and news.

Special Cases Learners Ask About

“Is there any chance…?” and “Is there any reason…?”

You will see is there any with some singular countable nouns, such as chance, reason, way, and problem. Here any means “at all”: “Is there any chance you’re free tonight?” “Is there any way to fix this?” These are fixed, natural patterns. For ordinary singular nouns like chair or pen, use is there a.

“Are there any loaves of bread?”

An uncountable noun can become countable through a unit word. Bread is uncountable (Is there any bread?), but loaves is plural (Are there any loaves of bread?). Match the verb to the noun you are actually asking about.

“Is there any questions?”

The standard form is “Are there any questions?” because questions is plural and countable. You may hear “Is there any questions?” or “There’s some questions” in casual speech, but use are in professional, academic, and written English.

“There’s” with plural nouns

In fast speech, native speakers often say “There’s two coffees left.” It is common informally but is not standard in careful writing. In writing, use “There are…”

“Any” vs “some” in questions

Use any in most questions and negatives (Are there any seats? There aren’t any seats). Use some when you offer or expect a yes: “Would you like some tea?” “Could I have some water?”

“Any of the…”

With any of the + plural noun, both verbs are possible in everyday English, as in “Are any of the seats free?” With uncountable nouns, use singular: “Is any of the information wrong?”

When to Use It

Spoken English: Natural and common. “Is there any chance you’re free tonight?”

Business English: People often soften the question. Instead of “Are there any objections?” try “Does anyone have concerns before we move forward?”

Emails: A more polished form reads better: “I wanted to check whether any updates are available.”

Social media: Short and casual: “any updates??” or “anyone else having this issue?”

Academic writing: Academic writing usually avoids direct questions: “It remains unclear whether any evidence supports this claim.”

Meetings: Clear and confident: “Does anyone have questions?”

Is It Polite and Professional?

In plain form, it is neutral and functional. It is not rude, but it is not especially elegant. Adding please, if possible, or a softer structure makes it more polite. It leans informal to neutral, so strict formal writing benefits from an alternative.

Pros: clear for all levels, works in speech and writing, and easy once you know the countable/uncountable rule.

Cons: can sound repetitive, blunt in sensitive workplace situations, and lacks warmth or nuance in formal settings.

Other Ways to Ask: Alternatives by Tone

Friendly and casual

“Do you have any…?” Warmer and more personal because it addresses the listener directly. It works in shops, restaurants, and at work. Example: “Do you have any extra chargers I could borrow?”

“Got any…?” A very casual shortening of “Have you got any…?” Use it only with friends, family, or peers. Example: “Got any snacks in your bag?”

“Any chance there’s…?” Light and hopeful, good when you are not sure the answer will be yes. Example: “Any chance there’s a student discount?”

Neutral and group

“Does anyone know if there’s…?” Invites input from several people. It works in meetings, group chats, and shared channels like Slack. Example: “Does anyone know if there’s a backup file somewhere?”

Polite and formal

“I was wondering if there’s any…” An indirect, gentle form that reduces pressure. Ideal for deadline extensions, budget questions, and requests to people in authority. The past continuous (was wondering) adds distance and politeness. It is less suitable when you need a quick answer. Example: “I was wondering if there’s any flexibility in the deadline.”

“Would it be possible to check whether any…” Adds politeness and distance for clients and senior colleagues. Example: “Would it be possible to check whether any slots are available this week?”

“Please advise if any…” Formal and efficient, common in corporate writing. It is good for closing an email while you wait for feedback, but too stiff for conversation. Example: “Please advise if any changes are required before submission.”

Examples in Context

Formal: “Good afternoon. I was wondering if there’s any update on our proposal.” “Thank you for reaching out. We’ll have an answer by Friday.”

Informal: “Got any plans this weekend?” “Not yet. Any chance there’s something fun happening?”

Business email: Subject: Follow-Up on Budget Approval “Hi Sarah, please advise if any additional documents are needed to finalize the budget approval. Looking forward to your response.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing singular and plural. Say “Are there any apples?” not “Is there any apples?”
2. Using is there any with an ordinary singular countable noun. Say “Is there a chair?” not “Is there any chair?”
3. Using “there’s” with plurals in formal writing. Use “there are.”
4. Using slang in professional settings. Save “got any” for friends.
5. Being too blunt in workplace emails. Soften with I was wondering or Would it be possible.
6. Repeating the same structure throughout a conversation. Vary your phrasing.
7. Confusing any and some. Use any in most questions and negatives, some in offers and requests.
8. Adding extra words. “Is there any of any snacks?” is not a correct sentence. Say “Is there any snack?” only in special contexts, or simply “Are there any snacks?”

Cultural and Tone Notes

British and American speakers both use these structures constantly. In UK English, extra softeners like “at all” are common: “Is there any chance at all you could help?” US English accepts more directness: “Any chance you can help?” In casual texting, people drop the structure entirely: “any updates?”

Practice: Fill in the Blank

Choose Is there any, Are there any, or Is there a.

1. _______ milk in the refrigerator?
2. _______ books on the desk?
3. _______ information about the meeting?
4. _______ questions from the students?
5. _______ money left in the budget?
6. _______ chairs available?
7. _______ water in the bottle?
8. _______ pharmacy nearby?

Answers: 1. Is there any, 2. Are there any, 3. Is there any, 4. Are there any, 5. Is there any, 6. Are there any, 7. Is there any, 8. Is there a.

Is There Any vs. Are There Any: What Is the Difference?

Choosing between “is there any” and “are there any” can be confusing, especially when both expressions appear in questions about things that may or may not exist. Although they look almost identical, the difference comes down to whether the noun that follows is singular, plural, or uncountable.

“Is there any” is generally used with uncountable nouns and singular countable nouns. For example, you might ask, “Is there any water left in the bottle?” or “Is there any reason to wait?” On the other hand, “are there any” is used with plural countable nouns, such as “Are there any students in the classroom?” or “Are there any questions about the assignment?”

Both expressions are grammatically correct, but they serve different purposes. Using the right one makes your questions sound natural and helps you communicate clearly in everyday conversations, professional emails, academic writing, and other situations.

Is There Any Grammar?

Yes, “is there any” is grammatically correct when it introduces an uncountable noun or a singular countable noun. The word “is” is the singular form of the verb “to be,” while “any” is used to refer to an unspecified amount or quantity.

For example, you can say, “Is there any milk in the refrigerator?” because milk is an uncountable noun. Similarly, “Is there any problem with the report?” is correct because problem is a singular countable noun.

Here are some natural examples:

• Is there any sugar left in the kitchen?
• Is there any information about the meeting?
• Is there any chance of rain tomorrow?
• Is there any reason to change the schedule?
• Is there any work left to complete?

The important point is that “any” does not automatically require a plural verb. The verb depends on the noun that follows it. If the noun is uncountable or singular, “is there any” is usually the correct choice.

Is There Any vs. Are There Any Grammar

The grammatical difference between “is there any” and “are there any” depends on subject-verb agreement. In English, the verb must agree with the noun being introduced.

Use “is there any” when asking about an uncountable quantity or one singular item. Use “are there any” when asking about two or more countable items.

Consider these examples:

• Is there any coffee left? (Coffee is uncountable.)
• Are there any coffee beans left? (Coffee beans are countable and plural.)
• Is there any book on the table? (Book is singular.)
• Are there any books on the table? (Books is plural.)

This distinction becomes easier when you focus on the noun rather than the word “any.” Many learners mistakenly assume that “any” always takes a plural verb. However, that is not the case.

For example, “Is there any advice for beginners?” is correct because advice is uncountable. Likewise, “Are there any suggestions for beginners?” is correct because suggestions is plural.

Understanding this simple agreement rule will help you avoid common grammar mistakes in both spoken and written English.

Is There Any vs. Are There Any Examples

Examples are one of the easiest ways to understand how these expressions work in everyday English. Both forms are common, but the noun following them determines which one you should use.

Examples with “Is There Any”:

• Is there any food left in the kitchen?
• Is there any money in your wallet?
• Is there any possibility of changing the date?
• Is there any news about the job application?
• Is there any problem with my computer?
• Is there any space available in the parking area?

Examples with “Are There Any”:

• Are there any restaurants nearby?
• Are there any students waiting outside?
• Are there any mistakes in this document?
• Are there any updates about the project?
• Are there any available seats on the bus?
• Are there any questions before we begin?

Notice how the first group contains uncountable or singular nouns, while the second group contains plural countable nouns.

You can also compare the two expressions by changing the noun:

• Is there any apple juice in the fridge?
• Are there any apples in the fridge?

Both questions are correct because apple juice is uncountable, whereas apples are plural countable nouns.

Are There Any Meaning

“Are there any” is a question expression used to ask whether two or more people, objects, places, or other countable things exist or are available.

It is commonly used when someone wants to check availability, confirm the presence of something, or find out whether particular items exist. The expression does not assume that the answer will be yes. It simply asks about the possibility.

For example, “Are there any seats available?” means you want to know whether more than one seat is available. Similarly, “Are there any restaurants open nearby?” asks whether one or more restaurants are currently open.

Here are a few additional examples:

• Are there any emails I need to answer?
• Are there any plans for the weekend?
• Are there any opportunities available?
• Are there any changes to the original agreement?
• Are there any children playing outside?

In everyday conversation, this expression is particularly useful when asking about several possible options or checking whether something is available.

Remember that “are there any” normally requires a plural countable noun. For uncountable nouns, use “is there any” instead.

Is There Any vs. Are There Any Grammar Examples

The best way to remember the difference is to compare similar sentences. When the noun changes from uncountable or singular to plural, the verb usually changes from “is” to “are.”

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Is There Any

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Are There Any

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| — | — |
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Is there any water?

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Are there any bottles?

|
|

Is there any information?

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Are there any details?

|
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Is there any furniture?

|

Are there any chairs?

|
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Is there any advice?

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Are there any suggestions?

|
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Is there any work?

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Are there any tasks?

|
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Is there any bread?

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Are there any sandwiches?

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These examples show why understanding countable and uncountable nouns is important.

For instance, you would say, “Is there any furniture in the room?” because furniture is uncountable in English. However, you would ask, “Are there any tables in the room?” because tables are individual countable objects.

One useful trick is to ask yourself whether the noun can naturally take a plural form in the sentence. If it is plural, “are there any” is generally appropriate. If it is uncountable or singular, “is there any” is usually the better choice.

Is There Any vs. Are There Any: Common Grammar Mistakes

Even confident English speakers sometimes confuse these expressions, particularly when they use nouns that appear plural but are actually uncountable.

Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect: Are there any information about the course?

Correct: Is there any information about the course?

Information is uncountable, so it takes the singular verb “is.”

Incorrect: Is there any students in the classroom?

Correct: Are there any students in the classroom?

Students is a plural countable noun, so “are” is required.

Incorrect: Are there any furniture in the office?

Correct: Is there any furniture in the office?

Furniture is uncountable, even when it refers to several pieces.

Incorrect: Is there any questions about the assignment?

Correct: Are there any questions about the assignment?

Questions is plural, so the correct verb is “are.”

A helpful way to avoid these mistakes is to learn common uncountable nouns, including information, advice, furniture, equipment, luggage, and research. These words generally take “is there any” when used in this question structure.

Is There Any or Are There Any Questions?

Both expressions can be correct when asking questions, depending on the noun that follows.

For example, “Is there any question about the instructions?” is grammatically correct when referring to one possible question. However, “Are there any questions about the instructions?” is more natural when inviting people to ask questions in a classroom, meeting, or presentation.

In everyday communication, the plural form is especially common when addressing a group.

Consider these examples:

• Is there any question about the final decision?
• Are there any questions before we finish?
• Is there any concern about the new policy?
• Are there any concerns about the new policy?

The same rule applies to other nouns. Always check whether you are referring to one item, several countable items, or an uncountable amount.

Quick tip: Use “Is there any” with singular or uncountable nouns and “Are there any” with plural countable nouns. Once you understand this pattern, choosing between the two becomes much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any or Are There Any?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they are used with different types of nouns. Use “is there any” with uncountable nouns and “are there any” with plural countable nouns. For example, “Is there any water?” and “Are there any questions?”

What Is Correct, Is There or Are There?

Both “is there” and “are there” are correct, depending on whether the noun is singular or plural. Use “is there” for singular and uncountable nouns, and “are there” for plural nouns. The verb must agree with the noun that follows it.

Is There Any Question or Are There Any Questions?

“Are there any questions?” is the more natural and commonly used expression when inviting people to ask questions. However, “Is there any question?” can also be correct when referring to whether any question exists, although it is less common in everyday conversation.

Can You Say There’s Instead of There Are?

In informal speech, some people use “there’s” before plural nouns, but this is not considered standard in formal writing. For example, “There’s two people outside” is common in casual conversation, but “There are two people outside” is grammatically correct.

Can You Provide 10 Sentences That Use There Is and There Are?

Here are ten examples showing how both expressions work in everyday English. Notice how the verb changes according to whether the noun is singular, uncountable, or plural.

1. There is a book on the table.
2. There is some milk in the refrigerator.
3. There is a new restaurant near my office.
4. There is enough time to finish the project.
5. There is a problem with the internet connection.
6. There are three students in the classroom.
7. There are several options available.
8. There are many reasons to learn English.
9. There are two messages waiting for you.
10. There are beautiful flowers in the garden.

What Are the 7 Grammar Rules for There Is and There Are?

Understanding these seven rules will help you choose the correct expression and avoid common subject-verb agreement mistakes.

1. Use “there is” with singular nouns: For example, “There is a cat outside.” The noun “cat” is singular, so the verb “is” is appropriate.

2. Use “there are” with plural nouns: For example, “There are five books on the shelf.” The plural noun “books” requires the verb “are.”

3. Use “there is” with uncountable nouns: Words such as water, information, advice, and furniture generally take “is.” For example, “There is some information in the email.”

4. Use “there is” with compound subjects containing “or”: When referring to alternatives, the verb generally agrees with the nearest noun. For example, “There is a teacher or two students available.”

5. Use “there are” with plural lists: When listing multiple plural items, use “there are.” For example, “There are apples, oranges, and bananas in the basket.”

6. Use “there isn’t” and “there aren’t” for negative sentences: Use “there isn’t” with singular or uncountable nouns and “there aren’t” with plural nouns. For example, “There isn’t any sugar” and “There aren’t any chairs.”

7. Use “is there” and “are there” to form questions: Place the verb before “there” when asking a question. For example, “Is there a problem?” and “Are there any questions?”

Wrapping Up

The rule is simple once you look at the noun: is there any for uncountable nouns, are there any for plural countable nouns, and is there a for one countable thing. Then match your phrasing to the setting: casual for friends, polite and indirect for requests, and formal for corporate emails. Practice with real sentences, and the right choice will soon feel automatic.

Saqlain Ali

Saqlain Ali is the founder and lead content strategist at ClarityPointHub.com, where he helps writers, students, and professionals improve their grammar, sentence clarity, and overall writing quality. With hands-on experience in content writing, editing, and language tools, Saqlain is passionate about making clear communication accessible to everyone.