Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sabrinak]

Hello,

I want to know if there is any difference in meaning or nuance between the following:

1. There are no monsters around here.
2. There is no monster around here.


Thank you for your kind response.

[Suzanne]

Hello,

There is a slight difference--good for you that you noticed!

!. There are no monsters around here. This is a general statement, meaning that as far as anyone knows, the area is monster-free.
2. There is no monster around here. This is specific, referring to a single monster that may have been scaring or attacking people.