a/any

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Minhuoc  #281134  Sun, 15 Oct 06 10:27 AM

Hi,

Is there a difference in using "a" and "any" in these sentences:

1. I work fewer hours than any worker.

2. I work fewer hours than a worker.

Thanks.

  
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Inchoateknowledge  #281146  Sun, 15 Oct 06 10:42 AM

same to me

Both mean you are not a worker, and compared to them, you work fewer hours.

  
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Minhuoc  #281148  Sun, 15 Oct 06 10:46 AM

Can you suggest the best one. Which should I use?

Thanks.

  
Inchoateknowledge  #281159  Sun, 15 Oct 06 11:02 AM

The second emphasises more that you work least.

This is my impression. I learn by self-study, mind.

  
nona the brit  #281160  Sun, 15 Oct 06 11:04 AM

This is a difficult example to use as the sentence itself doesn't make a lot of sense at the moment. Can we change it a little so that we have a better example to look at?

1. I work fewer hours than any worker at the biscuit factory.

2. I work fewer hours than a worker at the biscuit factory.

Both these sentences now mean the same thing - they also mean that you don't work at the biscuit factory yourself.

If you want to compare yourself with workers at your place of work (let's say the biscuit factory)

1. I work fewer hours than any other worker at the biscuit factory.

Sentence 2 cannot be made to work in this context.

  
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Minhuoc  #281166  Sun, 15 Oct 06 11:40 AM

Thank you.

It's clear and very helpful.

  
Marius Hancu  #281197  Sun, 15 Oct 06 01:48 PM
1 is much more clear.
  
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Phoenix PR  #281283  Sun, 15 Oct 06 06:14 PM
There is a slight difference:

"Any" in #1 implies that there are additional workers.  For example:
  • "I work fewer hours than any worker in my company." (or)
  • "I work fewer hours than any worker on the face of the earth." 
"A" in #2 implies only one other worker:
  • "I work fewer hours than another worker."

  
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