However, using some and any in English is much simpler than you think. You just have to pay attention to the type of sentence and a few more details that we will tell you below.
Now let's go to the explanation of some and any and how they are used with examples.
How do you use some?
In affirmative sentences : When we want to say that there is something, then zalo database we use some . With this we indicate that there is a number or quantity of something, but it does not specify how much. It can be translated as algun@s, un poco de, algo de…
Some is used to talk about an indefinite quantity in affirmative sentences.
Example: “I have some
friends in New York.”
It is also used to ask for or offer something:
While in Spanish it is very common to offer the thing directly, in English it is more common to offer something/a bit of that thing. That is to say: in Spanish we would say: ¿quieres agua? while in English it would be: quieres algo/un poco de agua? With these examples it will become clearer.
Example: “Would you like some
coffee ?”
Example: “Can I have some
water, please ?”
Some and any are usually learned at a beginner level in English. If that's the case for you, check out this online course that covers basic grammar at an A2 level . It's free!
If you need extra help, ask us about our private English teachers.
How do you use any?
It's very easy. We use any in negative sentences or questions. It is usually translated as nothing, none, or some. Look at these examples with any to make it clearer.
Negative sentences:
It is used in negative sentences when we want to say that there is no quantity, nothing!
Example: “I don't have any money .”
Interrogative sentences:
It is used in questions to refer to an indefinite quantity. We don't know if it is a lot, a little, or the number of units, in case it is something we can count.
Example: “Do you have any questions ?”
Conditional sentences:
Exception: There is one case in which we will use any in affirmative sentences, and that is in the case of conditional sentences. In this case, any is often used to emphasize the possibility that any of the options mentioned will be sufficient to meet the stated condition.