Many English learners get tripped up by “is there any,” “are there any,” and “is there a” — and it makes sense why. These phrases look almost the same, but they follow different grammar rules depending on the noun you use. Getting them right makes a noticeable difference in how natural your English sounds, whether you’re writing an email, asking a question in class, or just having a conversation.
The good news is that one simple question unlocks the right answer every time: is the noun countable or not? Once you know that, choosing between “is there any or are there any” becomes easy. This guide breaks down all four phrases — is there any, are there any, is there a, and is there an — with clear rules, real examples, and a quick-reference table you can come back to whenever you’re unsure.
Quick Reference: Is There Any vs Are There Any vs Is There A
Not sure which phrase to use? Start here. This table covers the most common situations at a glance:
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
| is there any | Uncountable nouns (water, sugar, info) | Is there any milk left? |
| is there a | Singular countable nouns (one item) | Is there a pen on the desk? |
| is there an | Singular nouns starting with a vowel sound | Is there an apple in the bag? |
| are there any | Plural countable nouns (multiple items) | Are there any tickets left? |
| are there different | Asking about variety or types | Are there different sizes available? |
“Is There Any” vs “Are There Any”: What Is the Difference?
The core difference between “is there any” and “are there any” comes down to the noun that follows. “Is there any” is used with uncountable nouns — things you cannot count one by one, like water, sugar, or information. “Are there any” is used with plural countable nouns — things you can count, like books, apples, or tickets.
A lot of people also type “is there is any” by mistake, which is not grammatically correct. The right forms are always “is there any” (singular/uncountable) or “are there any” (plural/countable). Think of it this way: the verb “is” matches a single or uncountable thing, while “are” matches multiple things.
10 Better Ways To Say “Glad To Hear That” (With Examples)
| Is There Any (uncountable) | Are There Any (plural countable) |
| Is there any bread in the pantry? | Are there any slices of bread left? |
| Is there any chance of rain? | Are there any days with a high chance of rain? |
| Is there any information on this topic? | Are there any articles on this subject? |
| Is there any sugar in the jar? | Are there any sugar packets available? |
| Is there any time left to finish? | Are there any free slots in the schedule? |
“Is There Any”: Rules, Usage, and Examples
“Is there any” is your go-to phrase when asking about something that cannot be counted. This includes substances like water and milk, abstract concepts like advice or love, and general quantities like time or money. Because these nouns are treated as a single, uncountable idea, the singular verb “is” is the correct match.
Using “Is There Any” with Uncountable Nouns
Any noun that you measure rather than count takes “is there any.” Think of things you would describe in terms of amount rather than number — a glass of water, not two waters; a piece of advice, not three advices.
- Is there any milk left in the fridge? (Milk is a substance — uncountable)
- Is there any advice you can give me? (Advice is abstract — uncountable)
- Is there any information available about the delay? (Information is uncountable)
- Is there any sugar in the jar? (Sugar is a substance — uncountable)
- Is there any evidence to support this claim? (Evidence is uncountable)
- Is there any time left to finish the report? (Time in this sense is uncountable)
- Is there any chance of rain this afternoon? (Chance used as a general concept)
Common Mistake: “Is There Is Any”
“Is there is any” is a grammar error that happens when people accidentally double up the verb. The correct form is simply “is there any” — no second “is” needed. If you catch yourself writing it, just remove one of the two verbs and the sentence will be correct.
- Wrong: Is there is any milk in the fridge?
- Right: Is there any milk in the fridge?
“Are There Any”: Rules, Usage, and Examples
“Are there any” is used when asking about multiple items that can be counted. The plural verb “are” matches plural nouns, so whenever you’re asking about more than one thing — books, cookies, students, tickets — this is the phrase to reach for. It’s also the natural choice when you don’t know how many of something exists and you’re just checking if any exist at all.
Step-by-Step: How to Build the Question
- Start with “are” — the plural form of the verb “to be.”
- Add “there” — this introduces the existence of something.
- Follow with “any” — signals you’re asking about an unspecified amount.
- End with a plural noun — something you can count, like books, apples, or tickets.
Examples of “Are There Any” in a Sentence
- Are there any cookies left in the jar?
- Are there any students in the classroom right now?
- Are there any tickets available for the concert tonight?
- Are there any new messages in my inbox?
- Are there any discounts for students at this store?
- Are there any meetings scheduled for today?
- Are there any differences between the two models?
“Are There Any or Is There Any” — How to Choose Every Time
People often search “are there any or is there any” because the choice isn’t always obvious. Here’s the simplest rule: ask yourself whether the noun can be counted. If yes, use “are there any.” If no, use “is there any.”
| Ask yourself… | Then use… |
| Can I count it? (3 books, 5 tickets) | Are there any books / tickets? |
| Can I measure it? (some water, a bit of sugar) | Is there any water / sugar? |
| Is it abstract? (advice, information, love) | Is there any advice / information? |
| Is it one specific item? (a pen, a chair) | Is there a pen / chair? |
A few phrases can go either way depending on meaning. “Is there any difference?” treats difference as an abstract concept, so “is” is correct. But “are there any differences?” asks about multiple specific differences, so “are” is correct. Both can be right — it depends on what you’re really asking.
“Is There Any Difference Between” — Is It Correct?
“Is there any difference between” is grammatically correct and very commonly used. “Difference” here is treated as an uncountable or singular concept, so the singular verb “is” fits. You would say: “Is there any difference between these two products?” or “Is there any difference between British and American English?”
However, if you want to ask about multiple specific differences, you would switch to: “Are there any differences between the two systems?” Both are correct — the choice depends on whether you’re thinking of difference as a general concept or as individual, countable points.
- Is there any difference between the two plans? (general concept — correct)
- Is there any difference in quality between these brands? (correct)
- Are there any differences between the old and new versions? (multiple points — also correct)
“Is There An” vs “Is There A”: Which One Is Right?
“Is there a” and “is there an” follow the same basic rule as “a” vs “an” in English. Use “is there a” before words that start with a consonant sound, and “is there an” before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u). The key word is sound, not spelling — which is why “is there an hour” is correct even though “hour” starts with the letter H, because the H is silent and the word sounds like it starts with a vowel.
“Is There A” — Before Consonant Sounds
- Is there a pen on the desk?
- Is there a meeting this afternoon?
- Is there a better way to do this?
- Is there a problem with the order?
“Is There An” — Before Vowel Sounds
- Is there an apple in the bag?
- Is there an easier option available?
- Is there an update for this software?
- Is there an issue with the file?
- Is there an hour left before the deadline? (“hour” starts with a vowel sound)
“Is There Any” vs “Is There A”: Core Difference
“Is there any” and “is there a” are both singular-verb phrases, but they work with different types of nouns. “Is there any” is for uncountable nouns — you’re asking about a general amount or existence of something that can’t be counted. “Is there a” is for singular, countable nouns — you’re asking about one specific item.
| “Is There Any” | “Is There A” |
| Uncountable or abstract nouns | Singular, countable nouns |
| Is there any water in the glass? | Is there a glass of water on the table? |
| Is there any sugar left? | Is there a sugar bowl in the kitchen? |
| Is there any advice for beginners? | Is there a guide for beginners? |
| Is there any news today? | Is there a news update this evening? |
“Are There Different”: When and How to Use It
“Are there different” is a natural phrase you use when asking about variety, options, or types of something. It follows the same plural logic as “are there any” — “are” agrees with the idea of multiple different things existing. You’ll commonly see it in questions about choices, categories, or variations.
- Are there different sizes available in this shirt?
- Are there different plans I can choose from?
- Are there different ways to solve this problem?
- Are there different types of membership?
- Are there different versions of this software?
More Examples: “Is There Any” and “Are There Any” in a Sentence
Examples of “Is There Any” in a Sentence
- Is there any milk left in the fridge?
- Is there any sugar in the jar?
- Is there any information about the meeting?
- Is there any chance of rain today?
- Is there any evidence to support this claim?
- Is there any time to finish this task before noon?
- Is there any possibility of rescheduling?
- Is there any difference between the standard and premium versions?
Examples of “Are There Any” in a Sentence
- Are there any cookies left in the jar?
- Are there any students in the classroom right now?
- Are there any tickets available for the concert tonight?
- Are there any new messages in my inbox?
- Are there any discounts for students at this store?
- Are there any meetings scheduled for today?
- Are there any differences between the two models?
- Are there any questions before we move on?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “is there any” and “are there any”?
“Is there any” is used with uncountable nouns like water, sugar, or information — things you measure rather than count. “Are there any” is used with plural countable nouns like books, tickets, or students — things you can count one by one. The choice of “is” vs “are” depends on whether the noun is singular/uncountable or plural.
Is “is there is any” correct?
No, “is there is any” is not grammatically correct. It doubles the verb “is” by mistake. The correct form is simply “is there any” — for example, “Is there any milk left?” If you catch this error in your writing, just remove one of the two instances of “is.”
Is “is there any or are there any” — which is correct?
Both are correct, depending on the noun. Use “is there any” with uncountable nouns (water, time, money). Use “are there any” with plural countable nouns (books, tickets, options). Neither is universally right or wrong — the noun determines the choice.
What is the difference between “is there a” and “is there any”?
“Is there a” is used when asking about a single, countable item — one specific thing. “Is there any” is used with uncountable nouns or when asking about a general quantity. For example: “Is there a pen I can borrow?” vs “Is there any ink left in the printer?”
When do I use “is there an” instead of “is there a”?
Use “is there an” before words that begin with a vowel sound — words that start with a, e, i, o, or u sounds. For example: “Is there an apple in the bag?” or “Is there an easier option?” The rule is about sound, not spelling, so “is there an hour?” is correct because “hour” sounds like it starts with a vowel.
Is “is there any difference between” correct?
Yes, it is correct. “Difference” is treated as a singular or uncountable concept here, so “is there any difference between” is natural and grammatically right. If you want to highlight multiple specific differences, you can also say “are there any differences between” — both forms work, depending on whether you mean one general concept or several distinct points.
“Are there any” or “is there any” — how do I decide quickly?
Ask yourself: can I count the noun? If yes (books, tickets, ideas), use “are there any.” If no (water, sugar, advice), use “is there any.” When in doubt, try substituting “some” in a statement form — “There is some water” (uncountable) vs “There are some books” (countable). The correct verb in that statement is the same one to use in the question.
Can “are there any” be used in formal writing?
Yes, “are there any” is perfectly appropriate in formal writing. It sounds natural in professional emails, academic papers, and business communication. For example: “Are there any concerns regarding the proposed changes?” or “Are there any updates on the project timeline?” It’s polite, clear, and widely used in formal contexts.
What about “are there different” — is that correct?
Yes, “are there different” is grammatically correct. You use it when asking about variety or types — for example, “Are there different pricing plans available?” or “Are there different ways to approach this problem?” It follows the same rule as “are there any” because you’re asking about multiple different options.
Conclusion
The difference between “is there any,” “are there any,” “is there a,” and “is there an” all comes down to one thing: the noun. Uncountable nouns like water, sugar, and information take “is there any.” Plural countable nouns like books, tickets, and meetings take “are there any.” A single countable item takes “is there a” or “is there an” depending on the starting sound of the next word.
Once you know whether a noun is countable or not, the right phrase becomes obvious. Keep the quick-reference table at the top of this article handy, run through a few of the examples, and you’ll find these phrases start to feel natural very quickly. Good grammar isn’t about memorizing rules — it’s about practicing until the right choice feels instinctive.
