Should it be 'any assertion' or 'any assertions'?
Be certain that the author provides sufficient support for any assertionS made before you accept what is written.

'Any' is used with singular countable nouns to refer to one of a number of things, when it does not matter which one. 'AssertionS' has a superfluous ending 's', dosen't it? Thank you.

Question

Should it be 'any assertion' or 'any assertions'?
Be certain that the author provides sufficient support for any assertionS made before you accept what is written.

'Any' is used with singular countable nouns to refer to one of a number of things, when it does not matter which one.  'AssertionS' has a superfluous ending 's', dosen't it? Thank you.

Answer

I believe this is acceptable as written, although it may be superfluous (it does make sense without it)..  The "s" gives the impression of there possibly being many assertions to look for.  I don't agree that "any" is only used with singular nouns.  That is not correct. (for example: "Does the store have any bananas for sale today?"  or "There were not any cars on the road that night."

Answers · 2

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