Language
English
Level
A1
Unit
Quantifiers and Amount
Practice types
0

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

I have some friends.

There isn’t any milk.

Do you have any questions?

She wants some water.

We don’t need any help.

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?’).

Keep exploring

Previous Countable and uncountable nouns A1 · Nouns and Articles Next Quantifiers much and many A1 · Quantifiers and Amount