Do you say "I have some money" or "I have any money"? What's the rule on using "some" and "any"?
The words "some" and "any" are used to express the amount or quantity of something. The amount or quantity is either not known or not mentioned.
"Some" and "any" have the same general function, but they are used in different ways.
I drank some orange juice this morning.
Some
"Some" is used with things that can be counted. It is also used with things that cannot be counted. For example:
• Countable: Some children enjoy sports.
• Uncountable: I drank some orange juice this morning.
You use "some" with positive sentences.
• There are some cups in the kitchen.
• I need some milk in my coffee.
You can use "some" to offer something. For example:
• Would you like some soda?
• Do you want some water?
You can also use "some" to make a request for something. For example:
• May I have some salt, please?
• Can I have some apples?
She didn't give me any money.
Any
"Any" is used with things that can be counted. It is also used with things that cannot be counted. For example:
• Countable: I don't have any books.
• Uncountable: She didn't give me any money.
As you can see from the examples above, you use "any" with negative sentences.
You also use "any" when you ask about the existence of something. For example:
• Do you have any coffee?
• Do you have any architecture magazines?
If you want to learn more about using "some" and "any," schedule a lesson with Learntalk. Our online English teachers are more than happy to help!
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