Some vs any: the basic rule and its exceptions
Vocalyra teaching team · Last updated:
Some and any both mean an indefinite quantity. The schoolbook rule says some for positive sentences and any for negatives and questions, and that rule covers most cases, but real English adds a few useful exceptions.
The basic pattern
In positive sentences use some: I bought some apples, there is some milk in the fridge. In negatives use any: I did not buy any apples, there is not any milk. In most questions use any: do you have any brothers or sisters?
When questions take some
Use some in questions when you offer something or expect the answer yes: would you like some tea?, can I have some water?, did you meet someone interesting? (you suspect they did). Any in a question stays neutral: is there any milk? simply asks whether milk exists.
| Sentence type | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | some | We need some eggs. |
| Negative | any | We do not need any eggs. |
| Neutral question | any | Do we have any eggs? |
| Offer or request | some | Would you like some coffee? |
| Any meaning it does not matter which | any | Call me any time. |
Compound words
The same pattern holds for compounds: somebody, someone and something behave like some; anybody, anyone and anything behave like any. Somebody called you, I did not see anyone, did anything happen? In requests the some-forms appear again: could you do something for me?
Any also appears in positive sentences when it means it does not matter which: any student can answer this, take any seat. Some can soften a number to mean approximately: some twenty people came. In if-clauses both appear with slightly different expectations: if you need any help is neutral, if you need some help suggests the speaker expects you will. Compounds follow the same shades: anywhere means no matter where in positives, but somewhere specific in offers.
Quick self-check
Choose: There are not (some / any) tickets left.
Show answer
any
Choose: Would you like (some / any) help with that bag?
Show answer
some
Choose: Did you meet (someone / anyone) at the party? (neutral)
Show answer
anyone
Choose: I have (some / any) good news for you.
Show answer
some