THE QUANTIFIERS

Some and Any

Some and any are used with countable and uncountable nouns, to describe an indefinite or incomplete quantity.

Some is used in positive statements:

Examples

• I had some rice for lunch
• He's got some books from the library.

It is also used in questions where we are sure about the answer:

Examples

• Did he give you some tea? (= I'm sure he did.)
• Is there some fruit juice in the fridge? (= I think there is)

Some is used in situations where the question is not a request for information, but a method of making a request, encouraging or giving an invitation:

Examples

• Could I have some books, please?
• Why don't you take some books home with you?
• Would you like some books?

Any is used in questions and with not in negative statements:

Examples

• Have you got any tea?
• He didn't give me any tea.
• I don't think we've got any coffee left.

SOME in positive sentences.

Examples

• I will have some news next week.
• She has some valuable books in her house.
• Philip wants some help with his exams.
• There is some butter in the fridge.
• We need some cheese if we want to make a fondue.

SOME in questions:

Examples

• Would you like some help?
• Will you have some more roast beef?

ANY in negative sentences

Examples

• She doesn't want any kitchen appliances for Christmas.
• They don't want any help moving to their new house.
• No, thank you. I don't want any more cake.
• There isn't any reason to complain.

ANY in interrogative sentences

Examples

• Do you have any friends in London?
• Have they got any children?
• Do you want any groceries from the shop?
• Are there any problems with your work?