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.

 

some

any

example

+

I have some money.

 

I have $10.

-

 

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.

?

 

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.

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?