Quantifiers Some Vs Any
Quantifiers Some Vs Any
In context
2 min
Did you buy any butter? I would like some of these raspberries.
‘Some’ and ‘Any’
13 min
The quantifiers ‘some’ and ‘any’ are used with plural countable nouns or singular
uncountable nouns.
We can use ‘some’ in questions when we offer or ask for something that is there.
Examples:
Would you like somewater? (I offer water, there is water)
Can I have somewater please? (I ask for water, there is water)
Do you have any juice? (I ask for juice, I don’t know if there is juice)
When we use ‘any’ in a negative sentence, it is also possible to use ‘no’ in a positive
sentence. It is the same for compounds of ‘any’, such as ‘anything’, ‘anybody’, etc.
Examples:
There is not any cheese left. – There is no cheese left.
She does not do anything at work. - She does nothingat work.
I can’t seeanybody. – I can seenobody.
Language Tip about ‘some’ and ‘any’
5 min
With singular countable nouns, ‘some’ and ‘any’ have a different use and meaning.
They refer to something general. In this case, ‘any’ can be used in a positive
sentence.
Examples:
I spoke to some bank employee. = I spoke to a bank employee, I do not know this
employee.
Any doctor will tell you that. = All doctors will tell you that.
Writing Exercise
5 min
Complete these sentences with ‘some’ or ‘any’.
1. Have you got __________ brothers?
2. There are not __________ sandwiches on the table.
3. When we were on vacation, we visited __________ very interesting places.
4. There are __________ delicious apples in the basket.
5. I am thirsty, can I have __________ water, please?
6. Do you know __________ good hotels in Algeria?
7. I bought some cheese but I did not buy __________ bread.
8. I am going to the post office. I need __________ stamps.
9. Are there __________ shops near here?
10. There are not __________ sweets in the box.
Writing Exercise
5 min
Complete these sentences with: Something / Anything / Nothing / Someone /
Anyone.
1. Do you know __________ here?
2. There is __________behind the chair.
3. There is not __________ to do in this small town.
4. He has __________ to say.
5. John knows a lot of people, I am sure he knows __________ here.
Writing Exercise
5 min
Match the situations on the left to the appropriate sentences on the right.
1. I can see coffee, I ask for coffee. a. I hear something.
2. I don’t know if there is coffee, I ask. b. Can I have some coffee, please?
3. I hear a noise. c. Is there any coffee?
4. I don’t hear a noise. d. I can’t see anyone.
5. There is nobody. e. I can’t hear anything.
Is it ____________ to love?
Is it ____________ to breathe?
____________rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it ____________ to die?
____________save my life
I'd rather be ____________ but ordinary please
Is it ____________ to love?
Is it ____________ to breathe?
____________rip my heart out
And leave me here to bleed
Is it ____________ to die?
____________save my life
I'd rather be ____________ but ordinary please
I'd rather be ____________ but ordinary please.
Put the words from this list into the table, in alphabetical order: