- Let’s talk about some and any. We use both words to talk about an amount or number of things when we don’t know the amount or number. (Or the amount or number is not important.) They are called determiners.
When to Use them
We usually use ‘some’ in affirmative sentences.
- There are some apples in the basket.
- I need some milk for breakfast.
- There is some cold water in the fridge.
- She bought some butter at the market.
We usually use ‘any’ in negative questions.
- I don’t have any money left.
- She didn’t find any mistakes in the report.
- I didn’t get any emails about the report.
In question sentences, we usually use any.
- Is there any milk left in the fridge?
- Have you got any time for a coffee?
- Do you have any questions?
When we are offering something, we usually use ‘some’ and not ‘any’.
- Would you like some coffee?
- Would you like some help with that?
- Do you want some soup?
When we ask for things, we usually use ‘some’ and not ‘any’.
- Could I have some sugar for my coffee please?
- Can you lend me some money?
- Could I have some water please? I’m really thirsty.
