Some means a certain number or amount and is usually used in positive sentences; any is used in questions and negatives, where it means “even a little” or, after not, “none at all”. But meaning decides, not just the type of sentence: in requests and offers where you expect the answer yes, you also use some: Would you like some tea?
some or any — can you pick the right one?
Pick a word and write a sentence — we'll check right away that it fits the meaning and explain any mistakes.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
some + plural/uncountable noun (statements, offers, requests); any + noun (questions; not… any); any in statements = it doesn't matter which (any time, any bus)
- I bought some fresh bread on my way home from work.
- Have you got any plans for the weekend, or are you free?
- We didn't get any rain during our whole week in Spain.
What changed
First versionExcuse me, could I have any water, please?
RevisionExcuse me, could I have some water, please?
The school rule “any in questions” makes any look right here. But this isn't a question about whether there is water: it's a request, and you expect someone to bring you some. Requests and offers need some.
In a positive sentence, any means “it doesn't matter which”: Ask any teacher, they'll tell you the same. Ask some teachers means something different: ask a few teachers.
Your turn
I searched the whole flat, but I couldn't find ___ clean socks.
Show the answer
any — With couldn't, meaning “none at all”, you use any. Some doesn't fit: it suggests that there is something, but no clean socks turned up at all.
You and a friend are going on a hike. Write what you've already packed, using some, and ask whether your friend has something you need, using any.
I've already packed some snacks and water. Have you got any spare batteries for the torch?
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.