Mastering 'Some' and 'Any': A Complete Guide to English Quantifiers

In English, "some" and "any" are often used to talk about quantities or unspecified people or things.

This lesson will guide you through the rules and exceptions for using "some," "any," and their related forms.

General Usage of "Some" and "Any"

"Some" in Positive Sentences:

1. We bought some flowers.

2. He’s busy. He has some work to do.

3. There’s somebody at the door.

4. I want something to eat.

"Any" in Negative Sentences:

1. We didn’t buy any flowers.He’s lazy. He never does any work.

2. There isn’t anybody at the door.

3. I don’t want anything to eat.

We use "any" in sentences where the meaning is negative:

1. She went out without any money. (She didn’t take any money with her.)

2. He refused to eat anything. (He didn’t eat anything.)

3. It’s a very easy exam. Hardly anybody fails. (Almost nobody fails.)

"Some" in Questions:

Use "some" when you’re referring to something or someone you know exists, or think exists

Example: Are you waiting for somebody? (I think you are waiting for someone.)

Use "some" when asking for or offering something.

Example: Can I have some sugar, please? (There is probably some sugar that I can have.)

Example: Would you like something to eat? (There is something to eat.)

"Any" in Questions:

Use "any" in most questions when you don’t know if the person or thing exists.

Example: Do you have any luggage? (Maybe you do, maybe not.)

Example: Is there anybody in the house? (Maybe there is, maybe not.)

You can use "if" + "any":

Example: Let me know if you need anything.

Example: If anyone has any questions, I’ll be pleased to answer them.

The following sentences carry the idea of "if":

Example: I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused. (If I have caused any trouble.)

Example: The police want to speak to anyone who saw the accident. (If there is anyone.)

"Any" can also mean "it doesn’t matter which":

Example: You can take any bus. They all go to the centre. (It doesn’t matter which bus you take.)

Example: Come and see me any time you want.

Example: We use anybody/anyone/anything/anywhere in the same way:

Example: We forgot to lock the door. Anybody could have come in.

Comparing "Some-" and "Any-"

Example A:

Person A: I’m hungry. I want something to eat.

Person B: What would you like?

Person A: I don’t mind. Anything. (It doesn’t matter what.)

Example B:

Person A: Let’s go out somewhere.

Person B: Where shall we go?

Person A: Anywhere. I just want to go out.

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words:

Example: Someone is here to see you.

However, we use "they/them/their" after these words to avoid specifying gender:

Example: Someone has forgotten their umbrella. (His or her umbrella.)

Example: If anybody wants to leave early, they can. (He or she can)

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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