Have you ever stopped mid-sentence, unsure whether to write “if there is any” or “if there are any”? You’re not alone. This tiny grammatical choice trips up both native speakers and English learners every single day — in emails, reports, casual conversations, and formal writing alike.
The good news? Once you understand the logic behind it, you’ll never second-guess yourself again. This guide breaks down the rule clearly, with real examples, exercises, and a quick-reference table so the correct choice becomes second nature.
The Basics: Understanding Singular vs. Plural
Before diving into the two phrases, you need a firm grip on two foundational grammar concepts: countable vs. uncountable nouns and subject-verb agreement.
Countable Nouns
These are things you can count individually — one book, two questions, five errors. They have both singular and plural forms.
- Singular: a question, an error, a document
- Plural: questions, errors, documents
Uncountable Nouns
These refer to things that cannot be quantified by number. You wouldn’t say “three informations” or “two advices.” They have no plural form and always take a singular verb.
Common examples: information, advice, water, feedback, equipment, courage, money, news, milk, furniture
The Verb Rule
- “Is” goes with singular and uncountable nouns
- “Are” goes with plural nouns
This single rule is the entire foundation for choosing between the two phrases.
When to Use “If There Is Any”
Use “if there is any” when the noun that follows is either:
- Uncountable — it cannot be divided into individual units, or
- Singular countable — referring to one specific item
Examples with Uncountable Nouns
| Sentence | Noun | Type |
| Let me know if there is any information about the delay. | information | uncountable |
| Please call if there is any news from the hospital. | news | uncountable |
| If there is any water left in the tank, save it. | water | uncountable |
| Tell me if there is any feedback on the proposal. | feedback | uncountable |
| If there is any equipment missing, report it immediately. | equipment | uncountable |
Examples with Singular Countable Nouns
- If there is any problem, please contact support right away.
- If there is any reason to postpone the meeting, let us know.
- If there is any chance of rain today, bring an umbrella.
Quick Test: If you can’t place a number (1, 2, 3…) directly before the noun in a natural way, it’s almost certainly uncountable — use “if there is any.”
When to Use “If There Are Any”
Use “if there are any” when the noun is plural and countable — meaning you’re referring to more than one item that can be enumerated.
Examples with Plural Countable Nouns
| Sentence | Noun | Type |
| Let me know if there are any questions after the presentation. | questions | plural countable |
| If there are any errors in the report, fix them before submission. | errors | plural countable |
| Please check if there are any emails from the client. | emails | plural countable |
| If there are any volunteers, the event starts at noon. | volunteers | plural countable |
| Tell me if there are any changes to the schedule. | changes | plural countable |
Quick Test: If you can naturally put a number before the noun (“two questions,” “five errors”), it’s countable and plural — use “if there are any.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid
Even experienced writers make these errors. Here are the most frequent ones — and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “are” with uncountable nouns
❌ Are there any information about the schedule? ✅ Is there any information about the schedule?
“Information” is uncountable. It never takes “are.”
Mistake 2: Using “is” with plural nouns
❌ If there is any reports due today, send them over. ✅ If there are any reports due today, send them over.
“Reports” is a plural countable noun. It always takes “are.”
Mistake 3: Confusing “feedback” and “feedbacks”
❌ If there are any feedbacks, share them with the team. ✅ If there is any feedback, share it with the team.
“Feedback” has no plural form. Treat it as uncountable every time.
Mistake 4: Treating “news” as plural
❌ If there are any news from the office, call me. ✅ If there is any news from the office, call me.
Despite ending in “s,” “news” is singular and uncountable in English.
Mistake 5: Mixing up “advice” and “advices”
❌ Let me know if there are any advices you can give me. ✅ Let me know if there is any advice you can give me.
“Advice” is uncountable. Use “a piece of advice” if you need to refer to individual suggestions.
Also Read This:Window Seal vs Window Sill: The Real Difference Every Homeowner Must Know
If There Is Any vs. If There Are Any: Exercises
Test your understanding with these fill-in-the-blank exercises. Choose “if there is any” or “if there are any” for each blank.
- Please let me know ________ milk left in the fridge.
- Tell the team ________ updates to the project plan.
- Contact the helpline ________ problem with your order.
- ________ assignments missing, notify the professor immediately.
- ________ furniture available in the storage room, we can use it.
- ________ passengers waiting at gate 4, please proceed to boarding.
- Let us know ________ progress on the investigation.
- ________ books left on the shelf, donate them to the library.
Answer Key:
- if there is any (milk — uncountable)
- if there are any (updates — plural countable)
- if there is any (problem — singular countable)
- If there are any (assignments — plural countable)
- If there is any (furniture — uncountable)
- If there are any (passengers — plural countable)
- if there is any (progress — uncountable)
- If there are any (books — plural countable)
If There Is Any vs. If There Are Any: Stack Exchange & Forum Insights
Grammar forums like WordReference and The Grammar Exchange have tackled this exact question, and their consensus lines up perfectly with the rule above.
In one widely-discussed thread on WordReference, a user asked: “Please let me know if there is any problem” — is this correct for singular countable nouns? The answer from experienced contributors was yes, this is grammatically acceptable. Both of the following are correct:
- Please let me know if there is any problem. (singular focus)
- Please let me know if there are any problems. (plural possibility)
The key takeaway from these community discussions: both forms can be grammatically correct, but they carry a slightly different nuance. The singular implies you’re asking about one potential issue; the plural suggests there may be multiple.
If There Is Any vs. If There Are Any: The Answer at a Glance
Here’s the simplest possible summary, for when you just need a fast answer:
“If there IS any” → singular noun or uncountable noun “If there ARE any” → plural countable noun
If the noun ends in -s and you can count it, use are. If you can’t count it or it’s one item, use is.
Quick Comparison Table for Easy Reference
| Feature | If There Is Any | If There Are Any |
| Noun type | Singular or uncountable | Plural countable |
| Verb used | Is | Are |
| Example noun | information, advice, water, milk | questions, errors, files, people |
| Example sentence | If there is any feedback, share it. | If there are any errors, fix them. |
| Number test | Cannot count (1 information ❌) | Can count (2 questions ✓) |
| Ends in -s? | Usually not | Usually yes |
Extra Tips for Natural Usage
Knowing the rule is step one. Using it without thinking about it is the real goal. Here’s how to get there faster.
1. Build a mental list of uncountable nouns. Keep a running list of words that never take “are.” Common ones include: information, advice, feedback, news, furniture, equipment, luggage, money, progress, research, traffic, knowledge, courage, water, milk, bread, butter, music.
2. Use the “number substitution” trick. Before choosing is or are, mentally try placing “one” or “two” in front of the noun. If it sounds natural (two questions ✓), use are. If it sounds wrong (two informations ✗), use is.
3. Read the sentence aloud. Native-speaker instinct is built on sound. Reading your sentence aloud often reveals immediately when something feels off.
4. Pay attention in professional contexts. Business emails are a goldmine for seeing these phrases used correctly. Notice patterns in how well-edited content handles these structures, and they’ll stick with you.
5. Don’t be tripped by words ending in -s. Words like news, physics, mathematics, series, and species all end in -s but are treated as singular. They always take “is.”
Practice Exercises
For deeper practice, try writing your own sentences in each of these real-world scenarios.
Scenario 1 – Workplace email: You’re writing to a colleague before a meeting. Use “if there are any” to ask about agenda items, and “if there is any” to ask about new information.
Example: “Please let me know if there are any agenda items you’d like to add, and share if there is any information I should review beforehand.”
Scenario 2 – Customer service: You’re responding to a customer complaint. Use both phrases appropriately.
Example: “We’d be happy to assist. Let us know if there are any other issues we can address, or reach out if there is any confusion about your order.”
Scenario 3 – Academic writing: You’re concluding a research paper. Use “if there is any” with an uncountable noun.
Example: “Future studies should investigate if there is any evidence supporting an alternative hypothesis.”
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
Case Study 1: The Office Email
An office manager sends a memo: “Please let me know if there are any reports due today.” — This is correct. “Reports” is plural and countable.
If the same manager asks about an uncountable concept: “Let me know if there is any progress on the Johnson account.” — Also correct. “Progress” cannot be counted.
Case Study 2: The Teacher’s Announcement
A teacher tells students: “If there are any assignments missing from my records, please see me after class.” ✅
A common mistake would be: “If there is any assignments missing…” ❌ — “Assignments” is plural, so “are” is required.
Case Study 3: The Travel Inquiry
A traveler calls a hotel: “Could you check if there is any availability for next weekend?” ✅ — “Availability” is uncountable.
Alternatively: “Could you check if there are any rooms available next weekend?” ✅ — “Rooms” is plural countable, so “are” fits perfectly.
Both sentences are correct — the choice depends entirely on the noun being used.
Conclusion
The difference between “if there is any” and “if there are any” comes down to one clear principle: match your verb to your noun. Singular or uncountable nouns take “is”; plural countable nouns take “are.”
Once you internalize the countability of common English nouns, the right phrase clicks into place automatically. Use the quick-reference table, practice with real sentences, and pay attention to how this structure appears in professional writing — and you’ll master it faster than you think.
Grammar isn’t about memorizing rules for their own sake. It’s about communicating with clarity and confidence. And that’s exactly what correct usage of these two phrases gives you.
Ahmad is a passionate writer and digital content creator dedicated to sharing insightful, engaging, and informative articles across multiple niches. With a strong interest in technology, lifestyle, trending topics, and online media, Ahmad focuses on delivering well-researched and reader-friendly content that inspires and informs audiences worldwide.
