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As far I as I remember, "any" and "some" are used with plural nouns or uncountable ones. I know about exceptions for "some" (Wow, some car). But can I say the following and be grammatical:

Is there any other problem?

or should be better this:

Is there another problem?

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    If you are wondering about the grammaticality of such basic sentences, I wonder if you're a native speaker of English. If not, and that is the root of your uncertainty, you might want to ask questions on the site for English Language Learners. (Please don't misinterpret my intent; you're welcome to participate actively in both communities.)
    – J.R.
    Jul 28, 2013 at 12:02
  • @J.R. Oh no, I am not a native speaker :) I do not think Language learners would be better place as I know the rules quite well but I am rathed interested in exceptions and usage which is not mentioned in textbooks ;)
    – Theresa
    Jul 28, 2013 at 12:05
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    You might consider rephrasing your question as such: Is there a problem? vs Is there any problem? Which one is more "formal"? Are they both grammatically correct?
    – Mari-Lou A
    Jul 28, 2013 at 12:13
  • @Mari-LouA The thing is that by "another" I want to emphasize that e.g. one problem is solved but - are there any other problems? I am unsure whether I can use sentences I mentioned.
    – Theresa
    Jul 28, 2013 at 12:19
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    Is there any other problem? is a perfunctory cue, and carries no assumption that there have been any problems that haven't been solved. This is a rhetorical question, and is usually a way of closing a phone help conversation. The desired answer is "No, thank you."
    – John Lawler
    Jul 28, 2013 at 13:16

1 Answer 1

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Yes.

  • any person
  • any house
  • any child

are all valid.

By the way, your title would be more idiomatic if you said "Can I use any with [a|any] singularnoun in formal English?" Any in this case would connote a broader application ("Any singular noun at all?") than a ("Are there some singular nouns I can use it with?").

I concur with @Mari-Lou A that "Is there any other problem?" sounds non-idiomatic. More usual alternatives might be:

  • "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
  • "Have I satisfactorily answered your query?"
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