Page 135 - Advanced English Grammar in Use

S o m e a n d a n y ; s o m e t h i n g , s o m e b o d y , e t c .

A Some and any: general
Sf Some and any are used with plural and uncountable nouns, usually when we are talking about
* unknown or uncertain amounts or numbers of things:

some is used... any is used...
• in affirmative sentences (sentences which • in sentences with a negative meaning
are not negatives or questions) (including words such as not (...n't);
• She had some doubts about the decision. barely, hardly, never, rarely, scarcely,
• I had some trouble building the wall. seldom; deny, fail, forbid, prohibit;
• in questions where we expect agreement impossible, unlikely)
or the answer 'Yes' • We haven't got any butter left.
• Didn't John's parents give him some • It was impossible for any air to get out.
money? (= I think/expect they did) • in other questions
• Hasn't there been some discussion • Do you have any better ideas?
about the proposal? (= I think/expect • Has there been any discussion about the
there has) proposal yet?

Some and any can also be used to talk about a particular person or thing without mentioning
them specifically. When some is used in this way it is pronounced /SAITI/:
• There must be some way I can contact Jo. (= There must be a way, but I don't know it.)
• Isn't there any book here that will give me the information I want? (= There must be a book
like this, but I can't find out what / where it is.)

1
D Some and any: details
some is used... any is used...
• when we mean quite a large amount of or • when we mean 'all (of them), and it's
large number of something: not important which':
• The talks went on at some (/sAm/) • Any of the students could have
length. (= a long time) answered the question. ('Some of the
• when we mean 'not all' (see Unit 59): students ...' here would mean 'some,
• Some (/sAm/) people don't like tea. but not all')
• in offers and requests in order to sound • when any means 'If there is/are any':
positive, expecting the answer 'Yes': • Any questions should be sent to the
• Shall I send you some (/sam/) details? manager. (= If there are questions...)
• Can you buy some (/sam/) rice in town? • commonly in 'if clauses:
• If you have any problems, let me
know, ('some' is possible, but is more
positive, expecting problems)

A number of compound words begin with some and any: someone/anyone (or somebody/
anybody), something/anything, and somewhere/anywhere:
• I thought I heard someone knocking at the door.
• Is there anyone at home?
^ The use of these words is generally the same as that of some and any described in A and B.
• Notice that we use a singular verb with them:
• If anybody calls, tell them I'm not at home, (not If anybody call...)
Some and zero article = Not any Some of and any of =