"is there any difference between ..." or "are there any differences between ...", which one sound more natural? I searched both in Google Books and both have a lot of results.
asked Aug 25, 2022 at 5:50
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Both 'sound natural'. The first asks about uncountable difference (the fact of being different) and the second asks about countable differences.– Michael HarveyCommented Aug 25, 2022 at 5:55
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@MichaelHarvey could you give me an example of what uncountable difference and countable difference are? I'm sorry I don't quite understand.– Fajela TajkiyaCommented Aug 25, 2022 at 6:00
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1 Answer
We use a singular form when we mean or expect one difference. This could be a difference of nature.
Is there a/any difference between these balls?
One is red and the other blue
One is wooden and the other made of rubber
Is there a/any difference between these two ropes?
One is thicker than the other.
One is made of nylon, and the other is made of natural fibre.
We use a plural form when we expect that there are (or may be) multiple differences.
Are there any differences between these pictures?
One has more people, fewer cars, and a cloudier sky than the other.
Are there any differences between these models of the same car?
One has air conditioning, a radio, and heated seats. The other does not, and is cheaper.
answered Aug 25, 2022 at 6:51
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Thanks for the answer Michael! So for the same question, if the questioner is expecting only one difference, he can use "is there a difference". If he is expecting multiple differences, he can use "are there any differences", even if there is actually only one difference, right? Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 7:01
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If the questioner is unsure which form to use, they can use either form. Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 7:03
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Thank you! Btw, is is there any difference between correct? I noticed you are using is there a difference.... But I found a lot of "is there any difference" use cases in Google Books. google.com/… Commented Aug 25, 2022 at 7:05
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