Some and any
Some is (somebody/someone/something) in positive sentences.
Any is (anybody, etc) in negative sentences.
A
Some
We bought some flowers.
He’s busy. He’s got some work to do.
There is somebody at the door.
Any
We didn’t buy any flowers.
He’s lazy. He never does any work.
There isn’t anybody at the door.
She went out without any money.
He refused to eat anything.
Hardly anybody passed the examination.
B
In most questions we use any :
Do you have any luggage?
Has anyone seen my bag?
We use some in questions when we expect the answer to be “yes”
What’s wrong? Do you have something in your eye?
We use some in question when we offer or ask for things:
Would you like something to eat?
Can I have some sugar, please?
C
We often use any after if :
If there are any letters for me, can you forward them to this address?
Let me know if you need anything.
Having the idea of if :
I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused.
Anyone who wants to take the exam should give me their name today.
D
We use any with the meaning “it doesn’t matter which”
You can catch any bus. They all go downtown.
Sing a song. Which song should I sing? Any song. I don’t care.
Come and see me anytime you want.
Let’s go out somewhere. Where shall we go? Anywhere. It doesn’t matter.
Compare something and anything :
A : I’m hungry. I want something to eat.
B : What would you like?
C : I don’t care. Anything.
E
Somebody/someone/anybody are singular words :
Someone is here to see you.
But we often use they/them/their after these words :
Someone has forgotten their umbrella.
If anybody wants to leave early, they can.
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