Grammar
Quantifiers : “Some” and “Any”
1st Part
Countable VS Uncountable
2nd Part
“Each” and “Every”
3rd Part
“Some” and “Any”
Grammar in use
- Topic : “Some” and “Any”
- Skills : Grammar
Use
When do we use “some”? When do we use “any”?
Did you buy any butter?
I would like some of these raspberries.
The quantifiers ‘some’ and ‘any’ are used with plural countable nouns or singular uncountable nouns.
Here is the difference
| Some | Positive sentences: There is some milk in the fridge. |
| Any | Negative sentences: There is not any milk in the fridge. Questions: Is there any milk in the fridge? |
We can use ‘some’ in questions when we offer or ask for something that is there.
Examples:
Would you like some water? (I offer water, there is water)
Can I have some water please? (I ask for water, there is water)
Do you have any juice? (I ask for juice, I don’t know if there is juice)
We use words such as ‘somebody’, ‘something’ like ‘some’: in positive sentences.
We use words such as ‘anybody’, ‘anything’like ‘any’: in negative sentences and questions.
Examples:
Somebody is coming.
I cannot find my watch anywhere.
Is there anything I can do for you?
When we use “any” in a negative sentence, it is also possible to use “no” in a positive sentence. It is the same for compounds of “any”, such as “anything”, “anybody”, etc.
Examples:
There is not any cheese left. – There is no cheese left.
She does not do anything at work. – She does nothing at work. I can’t see anybody. – I can see nobody.
Language Tip about “some” and “any”
With singular countable nouns, ‘some’ and ‘any’ have a different use and meaning. They refer to something general. In this case, ‘any’ can be used in a positive sentence.
Examples:
I spoke to some bank employee. = I spoke to a bank employee, I do not know this employee.
Any doctor will tell you that. = All doctors will tell you that.
Answer the following questions