Welcome to your “Some” / “Any” Lesson! In this topic we talk about:
• When are “Some” / “Any” used?
• Questions with “Some” / “Any”
• “Any” with “If”
• Other ways to use “Any”
• Very important.
Take the quizzes when you’re ready! If you’re having problems, use the comment box to contact our English Teachers.
When are “Some” / “Any” used?
Generally speaking, “some”, “somebody”, “someone” and “something” are used in positive sentences, and “any”, “anybody” etc. are used in negative sentences:
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Questions with “Some” / “Any”
The words “some” and “any” are used in questions. “Some” is used to talk about a person or an object that we know (or think) exists:
“Are you looking for someone?”
(I think you are looking for someone)
“Some…” is also used when we offer or ask for things:
“Would you like something to eat?”
“Could I have something to drink?”
In most cases, however, we use “any”:
“Has anyone seen my cat?”
“Have you got anything to say?”
“Any” with “If”
“Any” is often used after “if”:
“If there are any phone calls this morning, could you tell them I’m busy?”
“Please let me know if you want anything to drink.”
“If anyone would like some sugar, please let me know.”
The following sentences do not use “if”, but have the idea of the word “if”:
“I’m sorry for causing any confusion.”
(I’m sorry if I caused any trouble)“Anyone who wants to come with us this weekend, please tell us by the end of today.”
(if anyone wants to come…)
Other ways to use “Any”
“Any” can also mean “it doesn’t matter which”:
“You can take any path, they all lead to town.”
“Which radio station do you want to listen to.” “Any, it’s your choice.”
“Come for dinner any time you’d like.”
Compare “something” and “anything”:
“I’m hungry, could I have something to eat?”
“Sure, what would you like?”
“Anything.”
(it doesn’t matter which)
Very important
“Something”, “someone”, “anybody” etc. are singular words:
“Someone is on the phone for you.”
We often use they/them/their with“Something”, “someone”, “anybody” etc:
“Someone has left their wallet on the bus.”
“If anyone would like help, they should mail me.”
