As a language expert with a deep understanding of grammar and usage, I'm here to provide you with a detailed explanation on the use of the word "any" in the context of singular and plural forms.

The word "any" is often used to indicate an indefinite quantity or number, and it can be applied to both singular and plural nouns. However, the choice between a singular or plural verb following "any" is influenced by the formality of the context and the specific meaning the speaker or writer intends to convey.

In formal writing and speech, it is more common to use a singular verb after "any" when the phrase refers to an indefinite singular amount or number. This is because "any" in this case is seen as a singular entity, representing one of an unspecified quantity. For example, "Any of the information is valuable" implies that each piece of information holds value individually.

Conversely, when "any" is followed by a plural noun and the intended meaning is to refer to multiple items or entities, a plural verb may be used. This is particularly true in informal contexts where the emphasis is on the collective nature of the items mentioned. For example, "If any of your friends are interested, let me know" suggests that there could be multiple friends who might be interested.

It's important to note that the use of a singular or plural verb with "any" can also depend on the proximity agreement, which means that the verb form may agree with the noun closest to it. For instance, in the sentence "Any of the books on the shelf is/are a great read," the verb should agree with the noun "books," which is plural, hence "are" would be the correct form if we are emphasizing the plurality of the books.

However, if the sentence is structured to emphasize the individuality of the items, such as "Any of the books on the shelf is a great read if you pick it up," the verb "is" would be appropriate, as it emphasizes the singular nature of the action (picking up one book at a time).

In summary, the use of singular or plural verbs with "any" is a nuanced aspect of English grammar that depends on the level of formality, the intended meaning, and the proximity agreement. It requires careful consideration of the context in which "any" is used to ensure clarity and correctness in communication.

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When any of is followed by a countable plural noun, the verb can be in either singular or plural form, but a singular verb is more common in a formal style. If any of your friends is/are interested, let me know.read more >>