Some and Any

We use both 'some' and 'any' to mean 'a certain amount' or 'a certain number' of something.

We normally don't use 'some' or 'any' with singular countable nouns. (Exception: see number 1
below.)

• I've got some money ('money' is uncountable).

• I've got some coins ('coins' is countable and plural).
• NOT: I've got some coin (''coin' is countable and singular).

We usually use some with affirmative (positive) sentences and any with negatives and questions:

• She bought some tomatoes (positive sentence).

• She didn't buy any tomatoes (negative sentence).
• Did she buy any tomatoes? (question)

However, there are some exceptions to this.

1: ‘Any’ can be used in a positive sentence to mean 'it's not important which one'. This is an
exception: when we use 'any' in this way, it's most often used with a singular countable noun.

• You can take any bus (= it doesn't matter which bus).

• Pass me any glass (= it doesn't matter which glass).
• Come over any Sunday (= it doesn't matter which Sunday).

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2: Any can also be used in positive sentences that have a negative feeling, for example if they include
words like 'never', 'hardly', or 'without'.

• She never eats any fruit.

• We hardly watch any television.
• Julia left the house without any money.

3: 'Some' can be used in questions when we expect that the answer will be 'yes'. This is very common
in offers and requests.

• Would you like some coffee?

• Could you give me some butter?

Let's review! Put in 'some' or 'any'.

1. I don't want ____________ food.

2. She needs ____________ help.
3. Do you have ____________ money?
4. He hardly has ____________ friends.
5. Could you pass me ____________ chips?
6. He doesn't need ____________ water.
7. Would you like ____________ cake?
8. You can take ____________ train (= it doesn't matter which train).
9. She went to school without ____________ books.
10. I'd like ____________ chocolate.

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Answers

1. any
2. some
3. any
4. any
5. some
6. any
7. some
8. any
9. any
10. some

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