Some and any

UNIT 80 Some and any

A.   In general we use some in positive sentences and any in negative sentences.

• They don't have any children.

• Ann has bought some new

• He's lazy. He never does any work.

• I've got something in my eye.

We use any in the following sentences because the meaning is negative:

• He left home without any money. (He didn't any money.)

• She refused to say anything. (She didn't say anything.)

B.   We often use any/anyone/anything, etc., after if:

• If any letters arrive for me, can you send them to this address?

• If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

• If you need anything, just ask.

• Buy some pears if you see any.

The following sentences are without if, but they have the idea of  if:

• Anyone who wants to take the exam must give me their names before Friday. (= if there is anyone who . . . )

• I'll send on any letters that arrive for you. If there are any                       

C.    In questions we usually use any (not some):

• you have any money? 

• Has anybody seen Tom?

But we often use some in questions when we expect the answer "yes":

• What's wrong with your eye? Have you got something in it? (= I think you have something in your eye, and I expect you to say "yes")

We use some in questions, especially when we offer or ask for things:

• would you like some tea? 

• Can I have some of those apples?

D.   Any also has another meaning. Any/anybody/anything/anywhere can mean it doesn't matter which/who/what/where:

• You can catch any of these buses. They all go downtown. (= it doesn't matter which of these buses)

• Come and see me any time you want. (= it doesn't matter when)

• You can have anything you want for your birthday present.

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

• I'd rather go anywhere than stay at home during my vacation.

• ''Sing a song.''   ''Which song shall I sing?''  ''Any song. I don't care.''

E.   Someone/somebody/anyone/anybody are singular words:

• Someone wants to see you.

• Is anybody there?

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

• If anyone wants to leave early, they can. (= he or she can)

• Somebody has spilled their. (= his or her) coffee on the carpet.