Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

I am having a problem with the negative forms of "there isn't a..." and "there aren't any...". In which situation should we use the singular construction and in which situation should we use the plural construction? I

a) There isn't a TV in the house.
b) There aren't TVs in the house.
c) There aren't any TVs in the house.

What's the difference in meaning and context in which the above sentences are used?

d) Are there any chairs in room?
e) No, there aren't any chairs in the room.
f) No, there aren't chairs in the room.
g) No, there isn't a chair in the room.

I have read somewhere that a negative answer is "typically in the plural". Why is that? Is "any" necessary in the negative answer?

Best regards,

Nawee

[Tone]

waiting for the answer too..
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