Quantifiers (2): Some & Any

"Some" and "any" are quantifiers used with both countable and uncountable nouns. "Some" means a little, a few, or a small number. "Any" means one, some, or all. Their usage, however, are little bit different.

 

[1] SOME:

We use "some" in positive sentences. We use it for both countable and uncountable nouns.

For examples,

• I have some friends.
• She bought some milk yesterday. 

Exceptions: 

a) We use "some" in questions when offering or requesting something that is there.

For examples,

• Would you like some bread? (Offer)
• Could I have some water? (Request)

b) We usually use any in questions. But if we expect or want the other to answer ‚yes‘, we use some.

For examples,

• “Have you got some new products?” “Yes, we’ve just launched.”
• “Have they bought some sugar?” “Yes, I did.”

Compound words "some": somebody, somewhere, something, etc.

Like "some", we use some words in positive sentences.For examples,

• He lives somewhere near here.
• Someone has spilled water everywhere.

[2] ANY: 

We use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use it for both countable and uncountable nouns.

For examples,

• Do you have any cheese?
• He doesn't have any friends in Phnom Penh.

Exceptions:

a). We use “any” in positive sentences when the meaning is “It doesn’t matter which one (thing, place or person)” and in conditional sentences.

For examples,

• Choose any topic you like.
• I’m free all day. Call any time you like.
• Any teacher will explain to you clearly.

b) We also use “any” in positive clauses with adverbs “never”, “without”, or “hardly”.

For examples,

• We never go to any expensive place.
• She did her homework without any help.
• There’s hardly any retailers here.

c) We also use “any” in conditional sentences.

For examples,

• If you have any problems, please call.
• I can answer any questions. (= If there are any questions, …)
• Any detail information about the job, you can view our website.

Compound words "any": Anybody, anywhere, anything, etc. 

Like "any", we use any words in in negative sentences or questions. For examples,

For examples,

• Do you know anything about that boy?
• She doesn't have anywhere to go.