Learn English – difference in meaning between “not to make” and “to make no”

differencesmeaning

I was asked today whether

In order to make no mistakes

was correct. I said yes, but that I found it a bit strange and that I would rather use

In order not to make mistakes

The outcome is the same, but I sense a difference in meaning. Is there really one?

Best Answer

Both sentences are grammatically correct and acceptable.

"In order to make no mistakes" implies that you have a target of zero mistakes, which isn't as strict as the latter.