English Grammar

Some and any - differences

Some suggests an indefinite quantity or number. It is most common in affirmative clauses. In questions and negatives, we normally use any to express the same idea.

• I want some milk.
• Is there any milk left?
• No, there isn’t any milk left.

Some can be used in questions that express offers and requests.

• Would you like some coffee? (NOT Would you like any coffee?)
• Could I have some rice, please?

Any can be used in affirmative clauses after words that have a negative meaning. Examples are: hardly, scarcely, never, little.

• You hardly give me any help. (NOT You hardly give me some help.)

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