Talk about an unspecified quantity and recognise a common way to offer something.

The idea

Use some commonly in affirmative statements: We have some apples. Use any commonly in neutral negatives and questions: I do not have any cash; Are there any buses? In an offer or request, some is natural: Would you like some tea? Both words have other uses, so the choice depends on meaning and context.

Examples

  • We have some apples.
  • There is some bread on the table.
  • I do not have any cash.
  • Are there any buses today?
  • Would you like some tea?
  • Can I have some water, please?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume that every question needs any: Would you like some tea? is a normal offer. Strong any can also mean that the choice does not matter.

Try it yourself

  1. We have ___ apples. (some / any)

    Show answer or example answer

    some

    some is the usual choice for an unspecified quantity in this affirmative sentence.

  2. I do not have ___ cash. (some / any)

    Show answer or example answer

    any

    any is the usual choice in this neutral negative sentence.

  3. There is ___ bread on the table. (some / any)

    Show answer or example answer

    some

    some introduces an unspecified amount of bread in this affirmative sentence.

Use it today

Write a sentence about food you have, a negative sentence about something you lack and an offer to a guest.