Question

0251 4 When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have any. When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have [[any]]. one Do not use any as a pronoun for a singular countable noun (see last entry). Compare: 'He asked for some help but nobody gave him any.' (help is an uncountable noun) 'She wanted to borrow some books but nobody would lend her any.' (books is a plural countable noun) 'I need a new computer but I can't afford one.' (computer is a singular countable noun)

Accepted Answer

any ✗ When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have one. When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have [[one]]. one | any

Idx	0251
Keyword	any
Sub Entry Number	4
Type of Sentence	✗
Error Sentence	When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have any.
Correct Sentence	When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have one.
Cloze Error Sentence	When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have [[any]].
Cloze Sentence	When he asked if he could use the telephone, he was told that the family didn't have [[one]].
Cloze Answer	one
Choices	one \| any
Explanation	Do not use any as a pronoun for a singular countable noun (see last entry). Compare: 'He asked for some help but nobody gave him any.' (help is an uncountable noun) 'She wanted to borrow some books but nobody would lend her any.' (books is a plural countable noun) 'I need a new computer but I can't afford one.' (computer is a singular countable noun)

Asked Telephone Told Family Countable Noun Singular Books