Quantifiers: Some and Any
Quantifiers: Some & Any
How much? How many?
When to use SOME (+)
We use some in positive (+) sentences. It means "a non-specific amount".
- Countable: "I have
someapples." - Uncountable: "I need
somewater."
When to use ANY (- / ?)
We use any in negative (-) sentences and questions (?).
- Negative (-): "I don't have
anyapples." - Negative (-): "There isn't
anywater." - Question (?): "Do you have
anyapples?" - Question (?): "Is there
anywater?"
Special Case: Offers & Requests
We often use some in questions that are offers or requests.
- Offer: "Would you like
somecoffee?" (I expect you to say yes) - Request: "Can I have
somewater, please?"
Sentence Examples
| Type | With some (+) |
With any (- / ?) |
|---|---|---|
| Countable | He has some books. |
He doesn't have any books. |
| Countable | There are some chairs. |
Are there any chairs? |
| Uncountable | I bought some milk. |
I didn't buy any milk. |
| Uncountable | We need some sugar. |
Do we need any sugar? |
| Offer (?) | Would you like some tea? |
(less common) |
Test Your Knowledge!
Choose the correct word: some or any.
