What is the difference between some and any?
10 answers from our tutors
- Aliya SiddiqueI am an online English Language Instructor and a Content Writer.
As a general rule, we use 'some' for affirmative sentences, and 'any' for questions or negative sentences. Usually, both 'some' and 'any' can only be used with countable plural nouns or uncountable nouns. For example, “I have some questions.”
- BlakeTEFL, IELTS & certified English teacher - Great communication & conversation
The general rule in 'any' is used for questions and negatives while some are used for positive. Both may be used with countable and uncountable nouns.
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- Teacher LucyExperienced Certified TEFL Teacher
Hi fechosSS As a general rule, 'some' is used for positive sentences and 'any' is used for negative sentences. Both can be used for countable and uncountable nouns ;)
"any" is used in question statements, for example "anyone has any extra pencil? "some" used in general statements, for example, I have some fruits in my bag.
- GosiaExperienced ESL teacher / OKE / MA / CELTA examiner
Some -positive sentence or questions if they are an offer or proposals I have got some water. Would U like some water? Any - questions a negatives Have u got any water? I have not got any water Some and any can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns
Any is for countables. Some can be for countables or uncountables
Some.....comes with simple sentences Any.....comes with question or negative sentences
‘Some’ is used in positive statements. For example, ‘I have some apples.’ ‘She needs some money.’ ‘Any’ is used (1) in negative statements. For instance, ‘I don’t have any apples.’ ‘She doesn’t need any help.’ ‘Any’ is also used in questions. For example, ‘Do you need any help?’. ‘Have you got any books?’
Some is used in (+) sentences and offers (?), but any in (-) and (?) sentences
Some is used in affirmative sentences and any is used in negative sentences and in questions.
