SOME and ANY | the complete grammar guide + TEST!

Summary

This lesson focuses on the differences between 'some' and 'any' in English grammar. It explains how these words are used based on sentence type (positive, negative, question) and noun type (singular, plural, uncountable). The teacher, Arnel, provides examples to clarify when 'some' is used in positive sentences and 'any' in negative sentences or questions. Exceptions are also discussed, such as using 'some' in questions when expecting a positive answer. The lesson ends with a quiz to test understanding, followed by a review of key concepts.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Some' is used in positive sentences with plural or uncountable nouns to indicate an unspecific, limited amount.
• 😃 'Any' is used in negative sentences and questions, meaning none or zero.
• 😄 'Some' can be used in questions when the speaker expects the answer to be yes, often when offering something.
• 😆 'Any' can be used with singular nouns to mean 'it doesn't matter which one'.
• 😅 'Some' can start a negative sentence if it is the subject, as in 'Some passengers didn't buy a ticket'.
• 😊 'Any' can be used in a positive structure with a negative feeling, like 'hardly any'.
• 😉 'Some' can be used with singular nouns when referring to an unknown person or thing, often with frustration or irritation.
• 🤔 'Any' in a positive sentence can suggest that the choice or option doesn’t matter, like 'Choose any dish'.
• 🧐 Dropping the noun in conversations when it’s clear is common, like 'We didn’t see any'.
• 😃 'Some' should not replace articles unless emphasizing an unknown or irritating subject, e.g., 'Some kid didn’t touch their lunch.'

Q & A

What are the two main factors that determine the use of 'some' and 'any'?

The two factors are the sentence type (positive, negative, or question) and the noun type (singular, plural, or uncountable).

When do we use 'some' in a sentence?

'Some' is used in positive sentences with plural or uncountable nouns to indicate an unspecific but limited amount.

When do we use 'any' in a sentence?

'Any' is used in negative sentences or questions with plural or uncountable nouns, typically indicating zero or an unspecified amount.

Can 'some' be used in a question? If so, when?

Yes, 'some' can be used in a question when the speaker expects a positive response, often when offering something (e.g., 'Would you like some coffee?').

What is the meaning of 'any' in a positive sentence that conveys a negative feeling?

'Any' in a positive sentence can imply a negative feeling, such as 'hardly any' meaning almost none (e.g., 'You hardly ate any dinner').

Can 'any' be used with singular nouns?

Yes, 'any' can be used with singular nouns when the choice is indifferent, such as 'Pick any card' or 'Choose any color.'

What is an exception to the rule of using 'some' in negative sentences?

'Some' can be used in negative sentences when it begins the sentence, such as 'Some cashiers don't offer a receipt.'

When should we not replace an article like 'a' with 'some'?

We should not replace articles like 'a' with 'some' unless expressing an unknown person or thing with a complaint or irritation, such as 'Some lady stepped on my foot.'

How do 'some' and 'any' differ in terms of specificity?

'Some' indicates a limited but unspecified amount, usually smaller, while 'any' can indicate zero or an indifference to which option is chosen.

What is the key rule to remember about using 'some' and 'any'?

The key rule is to use 'some' in positive sentences with plural or uncountable nouns, and 'any' in negative sentences or questions.