English grammar: Quantifiers some and any

What this grammar point covers

‘Some’ and ‘any’ are words we use in English to talk about an amount of something, but not a specific number. They are called quantifiers.

When to use it

We use ‘some’ in positive sentences to talk about a small amount or number. We use ‘any’ in negative sentences and most questions.

Key forms

• some + plural countable nouns (some apples)
• some + uncountable nouns (some water)
• any + plural countable nouns (any books)
• any + uncountable nouns (any milk)

Examples

Tips

• Use ‘some’ in positive sentences, and ‘any’ in negative sentences and questions.
• Don’t use ‘some’ in questions (except for offers or requests).
• ‘Any’ is usually not used in positive sentences.

Exceptions and edge cases

• We can use ‘some’ in questions when offering or requesting something (e.g., ‘Would you like some tea?’).