[Grammar] My friend didn't make any mistakes on the exam.

[UM Chakma]

Hi guys,

"My friend didn't make any mistakes on the exam." Do you think this is correct? Look at the underlined word! Shouldn't it be "mistake" ?

Thanks.

 

[Barb_D]

Yes, it is correct.

Do you have any children? (not "Do you have a child?")
I don't see any eggs in the fridge. (not "I don't see an egg.")
My friend didn't make any mistakes.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

It's quite right as it is.

If you want to use mistake you should say something like, 'My friend didn't make a single mistake on the exam' or, 'My friend didn't make the slightest mistake on the exam'.

 

[emsr2d2]

If you were referring to one single mistake, you say something like "I made a mistake in the exam. My friend didn't [make a mistake]."

As a general rule, after "any", use the plural or an uncountable noun.

I don't have any money.
There aren't any eggs.
Do you have any ducks?
Have you seen any clouds?
I didn't make any mistakes.
Did you make any mistakes?
There isn't any water.
I can't see any people.
I don't know if there is any water.
I can't see if there are any cows.
I will go and see if there is any milk in the fridge.
Can you see if there are any children left in the building?
If there is any milk left, I'll have a cup of white coffee.
Look in your purse to see if you have any money.

Also note that "any" is used in negative sentences and in the interrogative, and as shown above with "if", but very rarely (if at all) in positive sentences.