One: Are there any bookstores in this building?
Two: Is there any bookstore in this building?
2006-08-17 04:09:18 · 8 answers · asked by donotmisstony 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
One is good.
Two could be okay if you've just asked previously about a specific bookstore, and they said no--then you might be willing to settle for "any" bookstore and ask number Two, stressing the word "any".
I would normally say "Is there a bookstore in this building?"
2006-08-18 01:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Number one is correct, number two is wrong.
Because "any" is a plural, so when you use "any" should be followed by a plural noun (in this case is "bookstores"). And you are already correct by using "are" in this sentence because "are" is a plural.
For the second sentence, if you wanna use "is", then you can't put "any" in your sentence, because as I've said, "any" is a plural. You should use "a" instead of "any" ("is" and "a" are singulars)
The correct form from the 2nd sentence is:
Is there a bookstore in this building?
Always put singular with singular, and plural with plural.
So,it is better to use the 1st sentence because if you ask "any" it means there could be 1 or more bookstores there. And the answer to your question could be: Yes, there are 3 bookstores in this building OR.. No, there's none.
Hope this could help you ;-)
2006-08-17 23:21:47 · answer #2 · answered by teufelchen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first sentence is better, because you're asking a general question. On the other hand, if you would be searching for a specific famous bookstore, you should reformulate the second sentence and name that bookstore. Example: Is there a "Virgin bookstore" in this building?
2006-08-17 04:23:44 · answer #3 · answered by Petra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what information you require.
Question one is asking if there are any bookstores.....not specific, just any bookstores, perhaps just because you want a book or because you might be considering setting up a bookstore in that building. Question also enquires, perhaps, about how many. More than one.
Second question is specific and requires a yes or no answer.
2006-08-17 04:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by Michael R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Number one is correct. If you want to use the singular IS there with bookstore, use a instead of any.
2006-08-17 05:29:18 · answer #5 · answered by nellierslmm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Number one is correct.
Number two will be correct as well, if you use "a" instead of "any".
Is there A bookstore in this building?
2006-08-17 04:18:42 · answer #6 · answered by Hi y´all ! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer Two.
2006-08-17 04:17:05 · answer #7 · answered by shin 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
number one is better.
2006-08-17 04:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by olde finnn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋