Difference between “don't have + noun” and “don't have any + noun”
In negative sentences, what is the difference between the forms "don't have + noun" and "don't have any + noun"?
Here are two couples of examples:
(With countable nouns)
1. I don’t have books
2. I don’t have any books
(With uncountable nouns)
3. I don’t have sugar
4. I don’t have any sugar
Is one of each pair correct and not the other? Or is Is one of each pair idiomatic and not the other?
In case both forms are correct, when should I use one? And when should I use the other?
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 4
1
"I don't have any book" and "I don't have books" are the same in meaning. The use of "any" is for dramatic emphasis and effect .
0
Typically, "don't have + noun" would be used with singular nouns and the determiner "a," (for example, "I don't have a book"), and "don't have any + noun" would be used with plural nouns (for example, "I don't have any books"). The word sugar is unique because it is an uncountable noun, which is why you can correctly use it in both examples. Hope that helps :-)
0
I don't put sugar in my tea.
0
No'2 I don't have any books. No4 I don't have any sugar.
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