if there is/are any

[Subhajit12]

Hi everyone, Are both of the following sentences correct?

1- If there are (any) cars parked in the road, they will be towed away.

2- If there is any car parked in the road, it will be towed away.

I know we generally use the first sentence in these circumstances. But is there any situation where I can use the second sentence? I have seen people use the second sentence too but not so often.

One more question, if I omit 'any' in the first sentence (If there are cars parked in the road, they will be towed away), will that be correct too?

 

[sdgraham]

Your sentences are correct, but we (at least in AE) are likely to be more concise and say, "Any car parked in the road will be towed."

 

[Subhajit12]

Your sentences are correct, but we (at least in AE) are likely to be more concise and say, "Any car parked in the road will be towed."

Thank you, 'are there any' or 'is there any'': Which one is more natural?

 

[sdgraham]

I suspect No. 1 is used more frequently.

 

[Hermione Golightly]

I agree that #1 is more likely but I'll add that #2 sounds very strange, although it's grammatically correct. I can't imagine saying it.

Much the best, because it's brief and forceful, is 'Any car/s parked in the road (after 9 am) will be towed'.