Some and any express indefinite quantities with countable and uncountable nouns. Use some in affirmative sentences, as in I have some biscuits, and any in negatives and questions, as in there isn’t any milk left. Some is also used in polite offers, as in would you like some coffee.
Grammar Rule
Some and any express indefinite quantities, with countable and uncountable nouns. The choice depends on the type of sentence, not the noun.
Some vs Any: Usage Rules
| Word | Used in | Example |
|---|---|---|
| some | affirmative sentences | I have some biscuits. She bought some stamps yesterday. |
| any | negatives and questions | Do you have any questions? There isn’t any milk left. |
| some | polite offers/requests | Would you like some coffee? |
Remember: affirmative with some, negative and question with any (except polite offers).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing some or any correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Quantifiers – «Some» and «Any» (Affirmative vs. Questions/Negatives)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use some?
Use some in affirmative sentences, as in I have some biscuits.
When do you use any?
Use any in negative sentences and questions, as in do you have any questions.
Can some be used in questions?
Yes, in polite offers or requests, as in would you like some coffee.
Does the choice between some and any depend on the noun?
No. It depends on the type of sentence, affirmative, negative, or question, not on whether the noun is countable or uncountable.