Some and any

Question 1

In general we use some (also somebody / someone / something) in p____ sentences and any (also anybody etc. in n____ sentences.

Answer 1

In general we use some (also somebody / someone something) in positive sentences and any (also somebody, etc. in negative sentences.

^{We bought <strong>some</strong> flowers _vs We didn’t buy <strong>any</strong> flowers.}

^{He’s got <strong>some</strong> work to do _vs He <strong>never</strong> (neg.) does <strong>any</strong> work.}

^{There’s <strong>somebody</strong>here_vs There isn’t <strong>anybody</strong> here.}

^{I want <strong>something </strong>to eat _vs I dont want <strong>anything</strong> to eat.}

We use any below because the meaning is negative:

^{She went out <strong>without any</strong> money. _{(= she didn’t take any money}}

^{He <strong>refused</strong> to eat <strong>anything</strong>. _{(= he didn’t eat anything)}}

^{<strong>Hardly anybody</strong> passed the examination. _{(= almost nobody)}}

Question 2

We use both some and any in questions. We use some to talk about a person or thing that we know ex__ or think ex__.

Answer 2

We use both some and any in questions. We use some to talk about a person or thing that we know exist or think exist.

Are you waiting for somebody? _{(I think you’re waiting for somebody)}

We also use some in question when we offer or ask for things:

Would you like something to eat? _{(there is something to eat)}

Can I have some sugar, please? _{(there is probably some sugar)}

Question 3

We use both some and any in questions. In m__ questions, we use any, no mat__ if the things or person exists.

Answer 3

We use both some and any in questions. In most questions, we use any, no matter if the things or person exists.

Do you have any luggage?

I can’t find my bag. Has anybody seen it?

Question 4

We often use any after __.

Answer 4

We often use any after if.

If there are any letters for me, can you send them on?

If anyone has any questions, I’ll be glad to anser them.

Let me know if you need anything.

The following sentences have the idea of if:

I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused. _{(= if I have caused any trouble)}

Anyone who wants to take the exam should tell me by Friday. _{(= if there is anyone)}

Question 5

We also use any with the meaning “it doesn’t m___ wich”.

Answer 5

We also use any with the meaning “it doesn’t matter wich”.

You can take any bus. They all go downtown. _{(= it doesn’t matter wchich bus you take)}

Sing a song. Which song should I sing? Any song. I don’t care.

We left the door unlocked. Anybody could have come in.

Compare somenthing et anything:

I’m hungry. I want something to eat.

What would you like?

I don’t care. Anything _{(= something, but it doens’ matter what)}

Question 6

Somebody / someone / anybody / anyone are sin____ words.

Answer 6

Somebody / someone / anybody / anyone are singular words.

Someone is here to see you.

But we often use they / them / their after these words.

Someone has forgotten their umbrella. _{(= his or her umbrella})

If anybody wants to leave early, they can. _{(= he or she can)}

Question 7

I’m going out tonight with some/any friends of mine.

Answer 7

I’m going out tonight with some friends of mine.

^{(positive sentence)}

Question 8

I haven’t seen any/some good movies recently.

Answer 8

I haven’t seen any good movies recently.

Question 9

Can I have any/some milk, please?

Answer 9

Can I have some milk, please?

^{(question we ask/offer something exist or we thinkexist)}

Question 10

I was too tired to do any/some work.

Answer 10

I was too tired to do any work.

^{(negative meaning: he didn’t do anywork)}

Question 11

You can change these traveler’s check at any/some bank.

Answer 11

You can change these traveler’s check at any bank.

^{(it doesn’t matter wich)}

Question 12

If there are any/some words you don’t understand, use a dictionnary.

Answer 12

If there are any words you don’t understand, use a dictionnary.

^{(we often use <strong>any</strong> after if)}

Question 13

Complete. I was too surprise to say ____.

Answer 13

Complete. I was too surprise to say anything.

^{(negative meaning: I didn’t say nothing)}

Question 14

Does ____ mind if I open the windows.

Answer 14

Does anybody/anyone mind if I open the windows.

^{(we often use<strong> any</strong> after if)}

Question 15

Sarah was upset about ____ and refused to talk to ____.

Answer 15

Sarah was upset about something and refused to talk

to anybody.

^{(person exist; negative meaning)}

Question 16

Where do you want to go on vacation? Let’s go ____ warm and sunny.

Answer 16

Where do you want to go on vacation? Let’s go anywhere warm and sunny.

^{(it doesn’t matter wich)}