The words some and any are used when the speaker
cannot specify or does not need/want to specify a number or an exact amount.
Compare the following sentences:
- I saw seven deer when riding my bike in the forest
yesterday. (It is important that you know how many deer I saw.)
- I saw some deer when riding my bike in the forest
yesterday. (I don't know exactly how many deer I saw. Or: It is not important
that you know exactly how many deer I saw.)
RULES:
In general, some
is used in positive sentences:
- I got
some nice presents for Christmas this year.
- You
have some butter on your chin.
- If you
are hungry, there are some biscuits in the cupboard.
In general, any
is used in negative sentences and questions:
- I
didn't get any nice presents for Christmas this year.
- I
don't need any help.
- She's
so rude. No wonder she doesn't have any friends.
- Do you
have any brothers or sisters?
- Did
you catch any fish?
- Have
you seen any good films recently?
2 common occasions when the above
"rules" are "broken":
A) We
can use some in questions when offering/requesting:
-
Would you like some more tea?
-
Could I have some milk, please?
-
Do you want something to eat?
B) We
use any in positive sentences when we mean it doesn't matter which.
-
You can come and ask for my help any time.
-
Which book shall I read? - Any one. It's up to you.
