Some and Any
Use of some and any
Some and any are used to state the quantity, or amount of something. When using some or any, the exact number is not stated. “Some and any” are quantifiers.
Some and any can be used when:
- The exact number is not known.
- The exact number is not important or relevant.
- “Some and any” are used with countable and uncountable nouns.
The Rules for Using Some and Any:
SOME:
Use “some“ in positive (affirmative) sentences. “Some“ is used for both countable and uncountable nouns.
Examples:
- I have some friends. (friends is countable)
- I’d like some water. (water is uncountable)
ANY:
Use any for countable and uncountable nouns in:
- interrogative sentences.
Examples:
Have you got any cheese? (cheese is uncountable)
Have you got any friends? (friends is countable) - negative sentences.
Example:
He hasn’t got any cheese.
He hasn’t got any friends in Chicago.
EXCEPTION:
Use “some” in questions when offering or requesting something.
Examples:
| Interrogative | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Are there any tomatoes in the fridge? | Yes, there are some. | No, there aren’t any. |
| Is there any orange juice? | Yes, there is some. | No, there isn’t any. |
| Offering | Responding |
|---|---|
| Would you like some coffee? | Yes please I’d like some. |
| Making a request | Responding |
|---|---|
| Would you mind lending me some money? | Of course here you are. |
Something, anything, somewhere, anywhere, someone, anyone:
The same rules are true for something and anything, someone, and anyone, and somewhere and anywhere.
| Policeman: | Is there anyone at home? |
| Criminal: | Yes, there is something. A gun! |
| Policeman: | Is there anything in your pocket? |
| Criminal: | Yes, I went somewhere. I went to the old man’s house to steal his money. |
| Policeman: | Did you go anywhere recently? |
| Criminal: | Yes, I went somewhere. I went to the old man’s house to steal his money. |
More on some/any here.