Some and any
Use some and any — plus something, anyone, nowhere — in positive sentences, negatives, questions, offers and requests.
In this lesson you will
- Use some in positive sentences, offers and requests
- Use any in negatives and most questions
- Use some-/any-/no- words
Learn
Some in positive sentences: There’s some cheese. I bought some apples. Also in offers and requests: Would you like some tea? Can I have some water?
Any in negatives and questions: There isn’t any milk. Are there any tickets left?
The same pattern with something / anything, someone / anyone, somewhere / anywhere: I heard something. Did you see anyone?
No / nothing / nobody / nowhere = not any, used with a positive verb: There’s no milk = There isn’t any milk. Don’t use two negatives: I didn’t see nobody ✗.
Examples
- I’d like some information, please.
- We don’t have any plans tonight.
- Is there anything I can do?
- Nobody called while you were out.
Vocabulary
something
a thing (not specific)
anyone
any person
nowhere
not in any place
nobody
no person
left
remaining
“Is there any cake left?”
Practice
There aren’t ___ eggs.
Speaking
Describe your fridge and cupboards: what there is and isn’t. Use some, any, no, something and nothing.
Writing
Write a note to a flatmate listing what you need to buy (some…), what you don’t need (any…) and one request (Can you get some…?).
Lesson quiz
Can I have ___ water, please?
Review
Key points
- some: positive, offers, requests.
- any: negatives, questions.
- no/nothing/nobody + positive verb; no double negatives.
What you learned
- ✓ I can use some and any.
- ✓ I can use something/anything etc.
- ✓ I avoid double negatives.
Grammar reference: Countable and uncountable nouns; some, any, much, many