Supplementary Material

WHEN TO USE SOME AND ANY

(Compulsory Supplementary Material for Beta Intermediate Module.
Suggested Supplementary Material for Gamma Lower Module.)

In statements:
SOME ANY
We use some in positive statements. We use any in negative statements.
Examples: Examples:

I’m going to buy some clothes this summer. I’m not going to buy any clothes this summer.
There is some ice in the freezer. There isn’t any ice in the freezer.
They made some mistakes. They didn’t make any mistakes.
She needs some money. She doesn’t need any money.

In questions:

SOME ANY
We usually use some (not any) in questions when: We use any in most questions (but not all. See
1. we offer things. questions with some).
Examples: Examples:

Would you like some coffee? Are you going to buy any clothes?
Do you want some ice-cream? Is there any ice in the freezer?
Did they make any mistakes?
2. we ask for things (with a certain quantity in Does she need any money?
mind).
Examples: In general we use any in all other situations.

Can I have some chocolates, please? (one

portion)
Can you lend me some money? (a certain
amount)
Can I have some soup, please? (one bowl)

3. the speaker is expecting an affirmative

answer.
Example:

Can someone help me lift these boxes,

please? (yes)

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 Supplementary Material
In negative statements

SOME ANY
We never use some in a negative statement. We always use any in negative statements
containing either:
1. a negative verb
2. an adverb or preposition with a negative
meaning.
Examples:

We don’t have any money.

She didn’t understand anything.
We never invite any friends.
He answered without any problems.

Exercises

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. Do you have __________ money that I can borrow?

2. Would you like __________ cookies?
3. Do you need __________ help?
4. I haven’t called __________ of my friends.
5. I’d like to have __________ chocolates for dessert.
6. Can __________body clean the windows please?
7. I’m not answering __________ more letters today!
8. Are there __________ clothing stores around here?
9. Nobody can live without __________ friends.
10. I’ve never tried __________ Korean food.

II. Describe the last party you attended, mentioning the quantities of food and drinks available.
Example:

There were some bottles of wine, but there wasn’t any Scotch.

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

Key check.
I. 1. any 2. some 3. some 4. any 5. some 6. some 7. any 9. any 10. any.
II. Check your answers with your lab teachers