Grammar Tip 3: Singular or Plural with 'any'?

Any/Any of/Anything/Anybody/Anything

These are tricky little words. Are they used with singular or plural verbs? Here is a quick guide:

1. Any + singular noun is always followed by a verb in the singular: If any student is interested, I have an extra ticket for the concert.

2. Any + plural noun is usually followed by a verb in the plural: If any students are interested, I have an extra ticket for the concert.

3. Any of can be followed by a verb in the singular or plural: If any of your friends want/wants to come, they are welcome. (Plural is preferred in everyday language, singular is more formal)

4. Any + uncountable noun is always followed by a verb in the singular: If any water comes in, please let me know.

5. Anyone/Anybody/Anything are followed by a verb in the singular: We want to hear from anyone who knows about cars.

Note 1: Sometimes plural 'they' is used to refer to a previous 'any' noun: Ask any doctor and they will tell you to have a flu jab.
You can use 'he or she' or 'he/she' here but 'they' is more commonly used.

Note 2: Remember that if you use 'any' with a modal verb or in a question using 'Does/Did' the verb will always be in the infinitive, so the singular/plural rules do not apply:

Should any water come in, please let me know.
Can anyone tell me the way to the station?
Did anyone feed the fish?