Using "any" with contable/non countable nouns.

[Heo]

I just want to know how to use the word "any" correctly. I know that "any" is generally followed by (1) plural countable nouns or (2) singular uncountable nouns or (3) used in "anyone, anything, etc." as a singular noun, such as:

(1) Do you have any books ?
(2) I don't have any sugar.
(3) Does anyone want to solve this homework ?

However, sometimes I see "any" used with a singular countable noun (4):

(4) Any student would be fine !

Could you advise me when to use "any" in (4), and give me some more examples as of when to use "any" in this case.

Thank you very much

[Casiopea]

It means, whichever one is chosen. The example my dictionary gives is, Any fool knows.

(4) Any student would be fine! ~ Whichever student you choose would be fine!

[nt7272]

Thanks for your prompt answer.

So, in that sense, what should I use in the following sentence:

"You can take any book(s) you like"

I guess it should be "book" (without s) as it means "whichever book you like".

If Yes, does : "you can take any books you like" work ?

Thanks again.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.

[1] You can take any book you want. (Just one book)
[2] You can take any books you want. (As many books as you want)

Does that help?

[nt7272]

Thanks again. It really helps. But I have a follow-up question again.

If I say:

"Any students would be fine."

Is it correct ?
And if yes, should the meaning be: whichever students (must be more than one) would be fine.

[Casiopea]

Hmm. I understand the sentence, but it "feels" awkward.

[nt7272]

So, does your answer mean:

"Any students who want to join me please step out" is awkwards, and

"Any student who wants to join me please step out" is natural

???

[Casiopea]

The following sentence sounds awkward to me:

"Any students would be fine."

[nt7272]

Oh, that's not the one I wanted to ask. Could you let me know which one is correct:

"Any students who want to join me please step out" is awkwards, and

"Any student who wants to join me please step out" is natural

???

The following sentence sounds awkward to me:

"Any students would be fine."

[Casiopea]

It's similar to:

[1] You can take any book you want. (just one book)
[2] You can take any books you want. (as many books as you want)

[3] Any students who want to join me please step out. (many are welcome)
[4] Any student who wants to join me please step out. (just one is welcome)

As for [4], many students might step out, but only one will be picked.