Keep Smiling English Some vs Any Grammar

• Use: “some” and “any” are used with nouns when the speaker does not specify the
exact amount. For example:
I’m having some friends over tomorrow night.
Are there any pupils in the class?

• Some:
We normally use “some” in positive sentences with plural countable nouns or
uncountable nouns:
She’s had some problems with the teacher. (problems = plural count. noun)
I got some money from my parents. (money = uncount. noun)

• Any:
We normally use “any” in negative or interrogative sentences with plural countable
nouns or uncountable nouns. Some examples include:
John hasn’t got any books in his bedroom. (books = plural count. noun)
Is there any sugar left? (sugar = uncount. noun)

• Exceptions:
• Some:
- We can use “some” in questions when we are offering something or when we
expect the answer to be yes. For instance:
Would you like some sugar in your tea?
Seriously? Are some people still at the party?

- We can use “some” with singular countable nouns and uncountable nouns when
we are not sure which person or thing we are talking about. For instance:
I know I’ve some book where you can find that information, but I can’t
remember exactly which book it was.
She was helped by some passer-by, but he left before she could thank him.

• Any:
- We can use “any” in positive sentences when it means that it is not important who,
when, what, how many/much, etc. In this case, it can be used with singular
countable nouns, too. For instance:
Any person can come by as long as they have an invitation.
I’d like some cereal If there is any milk left.

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Keep Smiling English Some vs Any Grammar

- “Any” can also be used in positive sentences when there is an adverb, verb,
adjective or preposition which makes the sentence negative.
- Negative adverbs: barely, hardly, never, rarely, scarcely, seldom, etc.
There is hardly any people at the party.
- Negative verbs: deny, fail, forbid, prevent, prohibit, refuse, etc.
He denied having any responsibility in the accident.
- Negative adjectives: impossible, reluctant, unable, unlikely, etc.
He was unable to do any work with a broken arm.
- Negative preposition: without.
He did his homework without any help from his parents.

• Compounding some and any:

The rules above also apply to compounds of “some” and “any”, which are used as
nouns. Some of these are:
- People: someone - anyone // somebody - anybody
I think there’s somebody at the front door.
Did anyone tell you about the changes?
- Things: something - anything
I’ve got something stuck between my teeth.
There isn’t anything to watch on TV tonight.
- Places: somewhere - anywhere
My keys must be somewhere in the living room, but I can’t find them.
I can’t find my keys anywhere.

References:
- Hewings, M. (2005). Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
- Shoebottom, P. “Some/Any” at http://esl.fis.edu/index.htm.

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