word choice - Any/some in a specific sentence
I know that some/any are used with plural (with some exceptions), but what about this?
I can give you a book...if there is any
Is that correct? I want to say that if there is any book, I will give it to him.
And what about plural?
I can give you the books...if there are some
Or should it be "any?
Answer
Your sentences will be more natural if they read:
I can give you a book... if there is one.
One here functions as a pronoun in order to avoid repeating a book. Any book means it doesn't matter which one, as in the sentence "Take any book you want".
I can give you the books... if there are any.
Since the if clause expresses uncertainty, the use of any sounds better to my ears.
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