Скачать или смотреть Some vs Any | Ask Linda! | English Grammar

“Some” and “Any” are two words that often cause confusion. In this video Linda explains the difference between the two. “Some” is a determiner used for positive statements while “any” is a determiner used in questions and negative statements. For example, “I asked the teacher if he could give me some paper. I said ‘Excuse me, have you got any paper?’ Unfortunately, he didn’t have any.” The first statement is positive so we use “some”. The second is a question so we use “any”. The third sentence is a negative statement so we use “any” again.

It should be noted that we do sometimes use “some” in questions and we also use “any” in positive statements. We use “some” in questions when making an offer or request “Would you like some tea?” We use “any” in positive statements when it follows a word with a negative or limiting meaning “We rarely have any problems with it.”


“Some” and “any” are both determiners. They are used to talk about indefinite quantities or numbers, when the exact quantity or number is not important.

As a general rule we use some for positive statements, and any for questions and negative statements.

For example:

I asked the teacher if he could give me some paper. I said, "Excuse me, have you got any paper?" Unfortunately he didn't have any.

Be aware that sometimes you can use “some” in questions and “any” in positive statements. This is done when making an offer or a request, or to encourage the person you are speaking to.

For example:
Would you mind buying some ice-cream while you're at the store?

You can also use “any” in a positive statement if it comes after a word whose meaning is negative or limiting:

Such as here:
A. She gave me some bad advice.
B. Really? She rarely gives any bad advice.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

That’s it for today. See you next time!
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