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)
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.
'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)
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:
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.
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