When asking if something is available or requesting information on something, you may find yourself struggling to figure out the right words to use in order to be as correct as possible. If you find yourself struggling between the phrases “if there is any” and “if there are any”, continue reading for the elaboration you’re looking for.
Is It “If There Is Any” Or “If There Are Any”?
The phrase “if there is any” and the phrase “if there are any” are both correct to use. “If there is any” can be used in a singular statement and “if there are any” can be used in a plural statement.
When you are looking to use either of these phrases, you should know which phrase is plural and which one is singular. The phrase “if there is any” is singular, while the phrase “if there are any” is a plural phrase.
When Should I Use “If There Is Any”?
You should use the phrase “if there is any” if you are referring to a singular thing. By using the word “is” in the phrase, you are denoting that there is only one of something that you are addressing in your statement.
When you want to refer to one thing, such as a food, object, or error, this is the correct time to use the phrase “if there is any” as the word “is” helps to show there is only one thing and this carries over to the subject of your statement.
Here are some great reference examples on how to use the phrase “if there is any” correctly in a sentence.
- Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is any way I can help you during your stay this evening.
- The doctor will be in shortly to check if there is any swelling happening in your shoulder.
- Do you know if there is any other book in this set that is missing?
- Would you be able to tell me if there is any way to fix this that won’t cost me an arm and a leg?
- I don’t know if there is any link between Bigfoot sightings and the migration of that butterfly.
- If there is any butter left, please pass it my way.
When Should I Use “If There Are Any”?
“If there are any” is the correct phrase to use when you are referring to multiple items as the subject of your statement. The word in this phrase that dictates it is to be used when referring to plural items is the word “are”.
If you are planning on referring to multiple items or things, such as schedules, packages, or chairs, the phrase you should use is “if there are any”. The presence of the word “are” is used to show that the subject of your statement is a group of things.
Having references available to look at can really help you understand how the phrase “if there are any” can be used correctly in a sentence.
- Will you let me know if there are any donuts left in the break room when you get back?
- If there are any other complaints, please voice them now before the meeting ends.
- Do you happen to know if there are any extra chairs in the other room I would be able to use?
- If there are any packages delivered to this building, please set them behind the counter and I will pick them up later today.
- Do you know if there are any extra time slots available for the interviews?
- Remember to pick me up some DVDs if there are any you think I would like.
Is “If There Is Any” Or “If There Are Any” Used The Most?
According to this Google Ngram Viewer graph showing the usage comparison between these two phrases, the phrase “if there is any” is used much more often than its counterpart. “If there are any” is still used often, but less frequently.
“If there is any” is used the most of the two phrases. In the 1840s, the phrase saw a rapid increase in its usage and reached it’s pea in the 1920s, declining steadily from there to its current usage while the phrase “if there are any” has remained fairly consistent over a few hundred years.
You may also like:
Are There Any vs. Is There Any – Easy Usage Guide (+14 Examples)
“There Is A Lot” or “There Are A Lot” – Correct Version
“Is There Any News” or “Are There Any News”? (Correct Version)
Is “Any” Singular or Plural? Correct Grammar (+Examples)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
