Unit 85. Some and any
Unit 85; Part A

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. | 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)
Unit 85; Part B

• Are you waiting for somebody? (I think you are waiting for somebody)
We use some in questions when we offer or ask for things:
• Would you like something to eat? (there is something to eat)
• Can I have some sugar, please? (there is probably some sugar I can have)
But in most questions, we use any. We do not know if the thing or person exists:
• 'Have you got any luggage?' 'No, I haven't.'
• I can't find my bag. Has anybody seen it?
Unit 85; Part C

• 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 tell me by Friday. (= if there is anyone)
Unit 85; Part D

• You can take any bus. They all go to the centre. (= it doesn't matter which bus you take)
• '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 just want to go out.'
• 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. (= it doesn't matter what)
Unit 85; Part E

• 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)
Exercises
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