MNW English Grammar » Determiners » Some and any
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?
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