Uses of some and any

               Uses of some and any

In general we use some (also somebody/someone/something) in positive sentences and any (also anybody etc.) in negative sentences:

some We bought some flowers. He's busy. He's got some work to do. There's somebody at the door, I'm hungry. I want something to eat.

any We didn't buy any flowers. He's lazy. He never does any work. There isn't anybody at the door.        I’m not hungry. I don't want anything , to eat.

We use any in the following sentences because the meaning is negative:

·        She went out without any money. (she didn't take any money with her)

·        He refused to eat anything. (he didn't eat anything)

·        Hardly anybody passed the examination. (z almost nobody passed)

We use both some and any in questions. We use some to talk about a person or thing that we know exists, or we think exists:

·        Are you waiting for somebody? (I think you are waiting for somebody)

                    We use some in questions when we offer or ask for things:

ü  Would you like something to eat? (there is something to eat)

ü  Can I have some sugar, please? (there is probably some sugar I can have)

**8But in most questions, we use any. We do not know if the thing or person exists:

Ø  'Håve you got any luggage?' 'No, I haven't.

Ø  I can't find my bag. Has anybody seen it?

ü  We often use any after if:

• ·        If there are any letters for me, can you send them on to this address?

·      If anyone has any questions, I'll be pleased to answer them.

·        Let me know if you need anything.

                     The following sentences have the idea of if:              

D I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused. (g if I have caused any trouble) a Anyone who wants to do the exam mugt tell me by Friday. (z if there is anyone)

also use any with the meaning 'it doesn't matter which':

O You can take any bus. They all go to the centre. (z it doesn't matter which bus you take) a 'Sing a song.' 'Which song shall I sing?' 'Any song. I don't mind.' (z it doesn't matter which song)

C Come and see me any time you want.

C.) 'Let's go, out somewhere.' 'Where shall we go?' 'Anywhere. I just want to go out•'

We left the door unlocked. Anybody could have come in. Compare something and anything:

O A: I'm hungry. I want something to eat.

B: What would you like?

A: I don't mind. Anything . (z it doesn't matter what)

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words: C Someone is here to see you.

But we often use they/their after these words:

C Someone has forgotten their umbrella. (his or her umbrella)

0 If anybody wants to leave early, they