Some vs Any in 10 Minutes: Clear Rules + Mini Test

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Why Learners Mix Them Up

Both some y any are used with plural and uncountable nouns. The problem? They look similar, but the rules change depending on whether the sentence is affirmative, negative, or a question. Let’s clear it up in 10 minutes.

Rule 1: Affirmatives → Use Some

We normally use some in positive statements.

• I have some friends in London.
• There is some milk in the fridge.
• She bought some books yesterday.

Rule 2: Negatives → Use Cualquier

In negative sentences, we use any.

• I don’t have any friends here.
• There isn’t any money left.
• She didn’t buy any apples.

Rule 3: Questions → Usually Cualquier

In most questions, we use any.

• Do you have any questions?
• Is there any bread at home?

Rule 4: Offers and Requests → Some

When offering or requesting politely, we often use some, even in questions.

• Would you like some tea?
• Could I have some water, please?

👉 Here, some sounds more polite and friendly.

Some vs Any → Pronouns and Compounds

• Someone / Somebody / Something
  • Someone is at the door.
  • I need something to eat.
• Anyone / Anybody / Anything
  • Is anyone there?
  • I don’t want anything.

Quick Table

Mini Quiz

1. Do you have ___ sugar?
   → any
2. Could I have ___ tea, please?
   → some
3. I don’t need ___ help right now.
   → any
4. We met ___ interesting people yesterday.
   → some

Common Mistakes

❌ Do you have some questions? (sounds unusual)
✔️ Do you have any questions?

❌ I don’t need some advice.
✔️ I don’t need any advice.

FAQ

Q: Can I use “some” in questions?
A: Yes, in offers and polite requests: Would you like some tea?

Q: Is “any” always negative?
A: Not always. It works in questions and sometimes in positive sentences like Anyone can learn English.

Q: Can I say “some people” and “any people”?
A: Some people = positive idea. Any people is rare, but possible in negatives (I don’t know any people here).

Final Tips

• Some = positive, friendly, offers.
• Any = negative, most questions.
• Remember: context changes the nuance.

Más información

Want to go deeper into the logic of grammar? Read this article:
👉 Stop Memorizing. Start Thinking.

And check our full English learning page.

© Author’s concept by Tymur Levitin — founder, director, and lead teacher of Escuela de idiomas Levitin (Start Language School by Tymur Levitin).