Most English users
completely lack clarity as regards when and how to
use some and any to express the quantity or
amount of something, especially money. Thus they use these words
interchangeably without a second thought. This article is written to tackle
this friendly problem. Lol! Of course, it is friendly. Until you see a problem
as a problem, it is still friendly. Perhaps you will realise it is a problem
after reading this article. But it will be a problem solved. Are you ready to
sail with me? Let's cruise!
These words (some and any)
are used to express quantity, to say or ask if you have a quantity of something
or not. However, they differ in terms of usage.
"Some"
is used in positive or affirmative sentences to talk or ask about an uncertain
quantity of something or a considerable amount of something. In other words,
you use "some" when referring to the quantity of something which you
have or is available.
Examples
1. Tammy has some money
in his pocket.
2. I have seen some women
in the hall.
3. Do you have some books
for me?
4. There are some mangoes
in the basket.
On the other hand, any is
used in negative and interrogative sentences. If you don't have something, it
is appropriate to use any instead of some when
expressing the quantity of something.
Examples
1. Tammy does not
have any money.
2. I don't have any children.
3. There isn't any reason
to worry.
WRONG USE OF
"SOME" AND "ANY"
1. Tammy does not
have some money. ❌
2. There aren't some reasons
to worry. ❌
3. Tammy has any pen
in his pocket. ❌
HOW TO ANSWER A QUESTION
WITH "SOME" AND "ANY"
Question
Will you give
me some of the textbooks?
Responses
i. Yes, I will give
you some. ✅
ii. No, I won't give
you any. ✅
In sum, use
"some" and "any" in positive and negative sentences
respectively.