some, any

Some and any say there is a number or an amount of something, but not how much. Use them with plural nouns (apples, people) and uncountable nouns (water, money).

Some in positive sentences

Any in negatives and questions

Not any means none at all. No says the same thing and is shorter.

Some in offers and requests

When you offer something or ask for it, use some in the question. You expect the answer to be yes.

Any in positive sentences

In a positive sentence, any means "it doesn't matter which".

One thing: a or an

With one countable thing, use a or an, not some or any.

Common mistakes

• × I have any money. → I've got some money. / I haven't got any money.
• × I don't have some time. → I don't have any time.
• × We haven't got no bread. → We haven't got any bread. / We've got no bread.
• × I need some pen. → I need a pen.