grammaticality - 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?



Answer



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:




  1. one or some indiscriminately of whatever kind [...]

  2. 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.


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