English Reference

some vs any

Some indicates a positive existence or specific quantity, while any indicates an open-ended or non-existent quantity in negatives and questions.

some

A certain but unspecified quantity.

I need to buy some fresh vegetables for the dinner party tonight.

any

One, some, or all; used for negatives.

The store does not have any milk left on the shelves.

Watch out

  • I do not have some money to lend you right now.

    I do not have any money to lend you right now.

  • Are there some students waiting outside the classroom?

    Are there any students waiting outside the classroom?

Remember Some for 'Yes'; Any for 'No' or 'Maybe'.

Quick check

Fill the gap with one of the two options.

  1. 1.

    Would you like coffee while you wait for the manager?

  2. 2.

    Do you have idea what time the next train arrives?

More like this in Grammar and structure.