Difference between “some” and “any”

Difference between "some" and "any" Espresso English

Difference between "some" and "any" Espresso EnglishThis is a free sample from the e-book  600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!

“Some” is used in positive statements.

“Any” is used in negative statements and questions:

  • I want some bread
  • I don’t want any bread.
  • Do we have any bread in the house?

Exception to the rule:

“Some” can be used in questions if you are offering something to someone, or asking for something:

  • Would you like some bread?
  • Can I have some extra ketchup for my fries, please?

Only use “some” and “any” with uncountable nouns and plural countable nouns:

  • She wants some water. (water = uncountable noun)
  • He hasn’t received any e-mails yet. (e-mails = plural countable noun)

Don’t use “some” or “any” with singular countable nouns:

  • Can I have some apple? (apple = singular countable noun)
    Can I have an apple?
  • Paul doesn’t have any car. (car = singular countable noun)
    Paul doesn’t have a car.

Difference between "some" and "any"

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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
He doesn't have _______ brothers or sisters.
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 2
I put ____ paper in the printer.
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 3
Would you like ____ cup of coffee?
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 3 Explanation: 
Although "coffee" is uncountable, "cup of coffee" is a singular countable noun, so we use "a"
Question 4
I'm reading _____ interesting article.
A
an
B
some
C
any
Question 5
Is there _____ sugar in this coffee?
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 6
My boyfriend gave me _____ flowers for my birthday.
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 7
Is there ____ orange juice in the fridge?
A
an
B
some
C
any
Question 8
Can you lend me _____ money? I'll pay you back next week.
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 9
I had ____ leftover spaghetti for lunch.
A
a
B
some
C
any
Question 10
Do you have _____ friends who speak English?
A
a
B
some
C
any
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Difference between "some" and "any" Espresso English

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Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.