Any
Some = a little, a few or a small number or amount
Any = one, some or all
Usually, we use some in positive (+) sentences and any in negative (-) and question (?) sentences.
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some |
any |
example |
+ |
I have some money. |
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I have $10. |
- |
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I don't have any money. |
I don't have $1 and I don't have $10 and I don't have $1,000,000. I have $0. |
? |
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Do you have any money? |
Do you have $1 or $10 or $1,000,000? |
llee.blogsky.com tip |
In general, we use something/anything and somebody/anybody in the same way as some/any. |
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Look at these examples:
- He needs some stamps.
- I must go. I have some homework to do.
- I'm thirsty. I want something to drink.
- I can see somebody coming.
- He doesn't need any stamps.
- I can stay. I don't have any homework to do.
- I'm not thirsty. I don't want anything to drink.
- I can't see anybody coming.
- Does he need any stamps?
- Do you have any homework to do?
- Do you want anything to drink?
- Can you see anybody coming?
We use any in a positive sentence when the real sense is negative.
- I refused to give them any money. (I did not give them any money)
- She finished the test without any difficulty. (she did not have any difficulty)
Sometimes we use some in a question, when we expect a positive YES answer. (We could say that it is not a real question, because we think we know the answer already.)
- Would you like some more tea?
- Could I have some sugar, please?
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