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Unit 85 · Pronouns and determiners

some and any

Study

A

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

some any
We bought some flowers. We didn’t buy any flowers.
He’s busy. He has some work to do. He’s lazy. He never does any work.
There’s somebody at the door. There isn’t anybody at the door.
I want something to eat. 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)

›

It’s a very easy exam. Hardly anybody fails. (= almost nobody fails)

B

We use both some and any in questions. We use some/somebody/something 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 ask for or offer things:

›

Can I have some sugar, please? (there is probably some sugar that I can have)

›

Would you like something to eat? (there is something to eat)

But in most questions, we use any. We do not know if the thing or person exists:

›

Do you have any luggage? (maybe you do, maybe not)

›

Is there anybody in the house? (maybe there is, maybe not)

C

You can use if + any:

›

Let me know if you need anything.

›

If anyone has any questions, I’ll be pleased to answer them.

The following sentences have the idea of if:

›

I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused. (= if I have caused any trouble)

›

The police want to speak to anyone who saw the accident. (= if there is anyone)

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)

›

Come and see me any time you want.

We use anybody/anyone/anything/anywhere in the same way:

›

We forgot to lock the door. Anybody could have come in.

Compare some- and any-:

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)

b: Let’s go out somewhere.

a: Where shall we go?

b: Anywhere. I just want to go out.

E

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words:

›

Someone is here to see you.

But we 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)

→ not … any: Unit 86 → some of / any of …: Unit 88 → hardly any: Unit 101C

Exercises (3)

0/3 exercises checked
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85.1

Put in some or any.

  1. 1
    We didn’t buy flowers.example
  2. 2
    Tonight I’m going out with friends of mine.
  3. 3
    Have you seen good movies recently?
  4. 4
    I’d like information about what there is to see in this town.
  5. 5
    I didn’t have money. I had to borrow .
  6. 6
    You can use your card to withdraw money at cash machine.
  7. 7
    Those apples look nice. Shall we get ?
  8. 8
    With the special tourist train ticket, you can travel on train you like.
  9. 9
    ‘Can I have more coffee, please?’ ‘Sure. Help yourself.’
  10. 10
    If there are words you don’t understand, look them up in a dictionary.
  11. 11
    We wanted to buy grapes, but they didn’t have in the shop.
85.2

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

  1. 1
    I was too surprised to say .example
  2. 2
    There’s at the door. Can you go and see who it is?
  3. 3
    Does mind if I open the window?
  4. 4
    I can’t drive and I don’t know about cars.
  5. 5
    You must be hungry. Why don’t I get you to eat?
  6. 6
    Emma is very tolerant. She never complains about .
  7. 7
    There was hardly on the beach. It was almost deserted.
  8. 8
    Let’s go away. Let’s go warm and sunny.
  9. 9
    I’m going out now. If asks where I am, tell them you don’t know.
  10. 10
    Why are you looking under the bed? Have you lost ?
  11. 11
    This is a no-parking area. who parks their car here will have to pay a fine.
  12. 12
    Quick, let’s go! There’s coming and I don’t want to see us.
  13. 13
    They stay at home all the time. They never seem to go .
  14. 14
    Jonathan stood up and left the room without saying .
  15. 15
    ‘Can I ask you ?’ ‘Sure. What do you want to ask?’
  16. 16
    Sarah was upset about and refused to talk to .
  17. 17
    I need to translate. Is there here who speaks English?
  18. 18
    Sue is very secretive. She never tells . (2 words)
85.3

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

  1. 1
    Which bus do I have to take?
    . They all go to the centre.example
  2. 2
    When shall we meet? Monday?
    I don’t mind. next week will be OK for me.
  3. 3
    What do you want to eat?
    . I don’t mind. Whatever you have.
  4. 4
    Who shall I invite to the party?
    It’s your party. You can invite you want.
  5. 5
    What sort of job are you looking for?
    . It doesn’t matter what it is.
  6. 6
    Where shall I sit?
    It’s up to you. You can sit you like.
  7. 7
    Is this machine difficult to use?
    No, it’s easy. can learn to use it very quickly.