Is "any" also used with plurals?
I found on a research paper the following statement:
Is any particular images satisfying the requirements ?
I thought any can only be used with singular terms. So I was surprised when I've seen "images" rather than "image".
Am I correct?
Solution 1:
I would take that to be a typo. The verb should agree with the noun:
- Is any particular image satisfying the requirements?
- Are any particular images satisfying the requirements?
Any can be safely used in both cases. Have a look at these example sentences from Wiktionary:
- Choose any items you want. [items — plural]
- Any person may apply. [person — singular]
- I haven't got any money. [money — uncountable]
Merriam-Webster defines any as follows:
- one or some indiscriminately of whatever kind [...]
- one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity [...]
Emphasis mine.
Lastly, note psmears' comment that it might be more appropriate to use present simple rather than present continuous in your case (though further context might justify either). I will also add that there should be no space before the question mark.