We generally use some and any with count and uncountable nouns, usually when we are talking about unknown or uncertain amounts or numbers of things.
Example:
- I have some coffee for you. (uncountable noun)
- Can I ask you some questions? (countable noun)
- Janny doesn’t get any information. (uncountable noun)
- Do you receive any pictures from Jame? (countable noun)
2). SOME
We normally use some in positive sentence only.
Example:
- She had some doubts about the decision.
- I had some trouble building the house.
- John lost some money this morning.
NOTE: We can also use some in question when we want to offer or request something from someone or someone to do something.
Example:
- Can I borrow you some money, please? (request)
- Would you like some orange juice? (offer)
3). ANY
We usually use any in question (general question) and negative sentence only.
Example:
- We haven’t got any butter left.
- Do you any better ideas?
4) OTHER USES OF SOME AND ANY WITH THE SAME IN MEANING
We can also use a number of compound words begin with some and any such as someone/anyone, somebody/anybody, something/anything, and somewhere/anywhere.
Example:
- I thought I heard someone knocking at the door.
- Is there anyone at home?
NOTE: The use of these words is generally the same as that some and any describe above. Notice that we use a singular verb with them.
Example:
- If anybody calls, tell them I’m not at home. (not If anybody call…)
- Someone wants to see you in a few minutes later. (not Someone want…)
5). OTHER USES OF SOME AND ANY WITH THE DIFFERENT IN MEANING
| SOME | ANY |
| v When we mean quite a large amount of or large number of something. Ex: The talks went on at some length. (= a long time) Ex: Some people don’t like drinking coffee. Ex: Shall I send you some details? | v When we mean ‘all (of them), and it’s not important which.’ Ex: Any of the students could have answered the question. (‘Some of students…’ here would mean ‘some, but not all’) v When any means ‘If there is/are any’ Ex: Any questions should be sent to the manager. (If there are any questions…) v Commonly in ‘if-clauses’ Ex: If you have any problems, let me know. (‘some’ is possible, but is more positive, expecting problems) |
