Lesson

Some and any

Affirmative and negative contexts

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are 'some' and 'any'?

'Some' and 'any' are determiners used to talk about an unspecified quantity or number. They are common in everyday and business English when we refer to countable plural nouns and uncountable nouns.

  • 'Some' usually appears in positive (affirmative) sentences and in offers or requests.
  • 'Any' appears in negative sentences and in most questions.
  • Both can be used with plural countable nouns (e.g., reports) and uncountable nouns (e.g., information).

Table

Usage of 'some' and 'any'

Context Use Example
Affirmative sentences Use 'some' with plural countables and uncountables We have some printers in the office.
Negative sentences Use 'any' with plural countables and uncountables There aren't any copies left.
Yes/no questions (general) Use 'any' in most questions Do you have any updates on the project?
Offers and requests Use 'some' when offering or requesting, especially expecting a positive answer Would you like some coffee?
Existence with 'there is/are' 'Some' in positive, 'any' in negative/questions There are some files in the folder. / Are there any files?

Tip

Key rule: When to use 'some' vs 'any'

Remember the simplest distinction:

  • 'Some' = affirmative sentences, offers, and requests (expecting a positive answer).
  • 'Any' = negative sentences and most neutral questions (no expectation).
  • Both can be used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns (e.g., some information / any information).

If you expect 'yes' or are offering something, prefer 'some'.

Example

Examples in context

We have some printers in the office.

There aren't any copies left for the meeting.

Would you like some coffee while we review the proposal?

Do you have any questions about the quarterly report?

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these common errors that learners often make:

  • Using 'some' in negative sentences (incorrect: I don't have some reports).
  • Using 'any' for offers or requests when expecting a positive answer (less natural: Would you like any coffee?).
  • Confusing singular countable forms (avoid: We have some printer).
  • Omitting 'any' in negatives with plural/uncountable nouns (incorrect: There aren't copies left).

Focus on sentence type (affirmative/negative/question) and whether you expect a positive answer.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about which determiner is typical in general questions.

Quiz

Complete: There aren't _____ copies left for distribution.

Hint: Is the sentence affirmative, negative, or a question?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: What type of sentence is this: an offer, a neutral question, or a negative?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

some

determiner CEFR A2 //sʌm//

Used in affirmative sentences, offers, and requests to indicate an unspecified amount or number.

Would you like some tea during the meeting?

GrammarPoint

any

determiner CEFR A2 //ˈeni//

Used in negative sentences and most questions to refer to an unspecified amount or number.

Do you have any updates on the client request?

Expression

a few

determiner + noun CEFR B1 //ə fjuː//

A small number of (countable).

I have a few suggestions for the presentation.

Expression

a little

expression CEFR B1 //ə ˈlɪtəl//

A small amount of (uncountable).

Can I have a little information about the schedule?

Vocabulary

many

determiner CEFR B1 //ˈmeni//

A large number of (countable). Often used in negative sentences and questions.

We don't have many copies left.

Vocabulary

much

determiner CEFR B1 //mʌtʃ//

A large amount of (uncountable). Common in negatives and questions.

There isn't much time to finish the report.