What comes after anyone has or have?

The Singular “Anyone”: Navigating “Has” and “Have” in English

English grammar can be a slippery slope, filled with nuances that even native speakers stumble over. A common point of confusion arises when dealing with the pronoun “anyone,” specifically when deciding whether to follow it with “has” or “have.” While both constructions might sound grammatically plausible at times, understanding the underlying principles of singular vs. plural agreement can clarify the best approach.

The core principle to remember is that “anyone” is, generally speaking, a singular pronoun. It refers to any one person out of a potential group. Therefore, grammatically, it should be paired with the singular form of the verb “to have,” which is “has.”

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t say “Somebody are coming,” you’d say “Somebody is coming.” The same logic applies to “anyone.” So, the sentence “Anyone has seen my keys?” is generally considered correct.

However, like most things in English, there are exceptions and situations where “anyone have” can sneak into acceptable usage. This usually happens in a couple of specific contexts:

1. With an Auxiliary Verb like “Does”:

When an auxiliary verb like “does” is introduced, it changes the grammatical landscape. For example, “Does anyone have any idea where we are?” is perfectly acceptable. In this case, the auxiliary verb “does” is conjugated for the singular “anyone,” and the main verb “have” remains in its base form, as is customary when used with “do,” “does,” or “did.”

2. Implied Auxiliary Verb – Ellipsis:

Sometimes, the auxiliary verb is omitted, relying on context for understanding. This is known as ellipsis. Consider the following exchange:

• Person A: “I need someone to help me move this table.”
• Person B: “Anyone have a strong back?”

While grammatically stricter constructions might prefer “Does anyone have a strong back?”, in spoken English (and sometimes informal written English), the shorter version is common and generally understood. The “does” is implied, making the sentence acceptable within the context.

In Summary:

• “Anyone has” is the generally preferred construction. It aligns with the singular nature of the pronoun “anyone.” Use this in formal writing and when in doubt.
• “Anyone have” is acceptable with an explicit auxiliary verb like “does” (e.g., “Does anyone have…”).
• “Anyone have” can also be acceptable in informal situations where the auxiliary verb is implied.

Understanding these nuances will help you navigate the “anyone has” vs. “anyone have” dilemma with greater confidence and precision in your writing and speech. Remember to consider the context and audience when making your choice, and don’t be afraid to embrace the flexibility that the English language sometimes offers.