Some and any

Some and any

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

anybody etc.) in negative sentences (but see also Sections C and D):

#1 some

* We bought some flowers.

* He's busy. He's got some work to do.

* There's somebody at the door.

* I'm hungry. I want something to eat.

#2 any

* We didn't buy any flowers.

* He's lazy. He never does any work.

* There isn't anybody at the door.

* I'm not hungry. I don't want anything to eat.

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

* She went out without any money. (She didn't take any money with her.)

* He refused to eat anything. (He didn't eat anything.)

* Hardly anybody passed the examination. (= almost nobody passed)

B. In most questions we use any:

* 'Have you got any luggage?' 'No, I haven't.'

* 'Has anybody seen my bag?' 'Yes, it's under the table.'

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

* What's wrong? Have you got something in your eye? (It seems that you have got

something in your eye and I expect you to answer 'yes'.)

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

* Would you like something to eat?

* Can I have some sugar, please?

C. We often use any after if:

* If there are any letters for me, can you send them on to this address?

* If anyone has any questions, I'll be pleased to answer 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 do the exam must give me their names today. (= if there is anyone)

D. We also use any with the meaning 'it doesn't matter which':

* You can catch any bus. They all go to the centre. (= it doesn't matter which bus you catch)

* 'Sing a song.' 'Which song shall I sing?' 'Any song. I don't mind.' (= it doesn't matter which song)

* Come and see me any time you want.

* 'Let's go out somewhere.' 'Where shall we go?' 'Anywhere. I don't mind.'

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

Compare something and anything:

* A: I'm hungry. I want something to eat.

B: What would you like?

A: I don't mind. Anything. (= something, but it doesn't matter what)

E. 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)