some and any

#hussasya

The words some and any are used when the speaker cannot specify or does not need/want to specify a number or an exact amount. Compare the following sentences:

- I saw seven deer when riding my bike in the forest yesterday. (It is important that you know how many deer I saw.)
- I saw some deer when riding my bike in the forest yesterday. (I don't know exactly how many deer I saw. Or: It is not important that you know exactly how many deer I saw.)

The "rules" that follow apply also to words containing some and any:somebody/anybody, something/anything, etc.

In general, some is used in positive sentences:

• I got some nice presents for Christmas this year.
• This job is going to take some time.
• Look! There are some large black birds on the roof of the church.
• You have some butter on your chin.
• If you are hungry, there are some biscuits in the cupboard.
• I'm sure I'll return to Japan some day.
• There is somebody on the phone for you.
• I'd like to go somewhere hot this summer.

In general, any is used in negative sentences and questions:

• I didn't get any nice presents for Christmas this year.
• I looked in the cupboard but I couldn't find any biscuits.
• I don't need any help.
• She's so rude. No wonder she doesn't have any friends.
• I don't have anything to wear to the dance.
• I'm not hungry. I don't want anything to eat.
  
• Do you have any brothers or sisters?
• Did you catch any fish?
• Have you seen any good films recently?
• Does anyone know the answer?
• Are you going anywhere this Christmas?