Unit 85. Some and any

Unit 85; Part A

In general we use some (also somebody/someone/something) in positive sentences and any (also anybody etc.) in negative sentences:

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

We use both some and any in questions. We use some to talk about a person or thing that we know exists, or we think exists:
   •    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

We often use any after if:

   •    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

We also use any with the meaning 'it doesn't matter which':

   •    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

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words:
   •    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

1 Put in some or any.

Put in some or any.

1    We didn't buy   any flowers.
2    This evening I'm going out with __________ friends of mine.
3    A: Have you seen __________ good films recently?
     B: No, I haven't been to the cinema for ages.
4    I didn't have __________ money, so I had to borrow __________.
5    Can I have __________ milk in my coffee, please?
6    I was too tired to do __________ work.
7    You can cash these traveller's cheques at __________ bank.
8    Can you give me __________ information about places of interest in the town?
9    With the special tourist train ticket, you can travel on __________ train you like.
10 If there are __________ words you don't understand, use a dictionary.

2 Complete the sentences with some- or any- + -body/-thing/-where.

Complete the sentences with some- or any- + -body/-thing/-where.

1    I was too surprised to say   anything .
2    There's ___________ at the door. Can you go and see who it is?
3    Does ___________ mind if I open the window?
4    I wasn't feeling hungry, so I didn't eat ___________.
5    You must be hungry. Would you like ___________ to eat?
6    Quick, let's go! There's ___________ coming and I don't want    to see us.
7    Sarah was upset about ___________ and refused to talk to ___________.
8    This machine is very easy to use. ___________ can learn to use it very quickly.
9    There was hardly ___________ on the beach. It was almost deserted.
10 'Do you live ___________ near Joe?'    'No, he lives in another part of town.'
11 'Where shall we go on holiday?'    'Let's go ___________ warm and sunny.'
12 They stay at home all the time. They never seem to go ___________.
13 I'm going out now. If ___________ phones while I'm out, can you tell them I'll be back at 11.30?
14 Why are you looking under the bed? Have you lost ___________ ?
15 The police have asked that ___________ who saw the accident should contact them.
16 'Can I ask you ___________ ?'    'Sure. What do you want to ask?'
17 Sue is very secretive. She never tells ___________. (2 words)

3 Complete the sentences.

Complete the sentences. Use any (+ noun) or anybody/anything/anywhere.

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Unit 84 Unit 85 Unit 86