Some and Any

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Generally, some is used in positive sentences while any is used in negative sentences.

Any is also used when the meaning in the sentence is negative.

They fired without any warning. (They didn’t give a warning before firing.)

She refuses to do anything. (She doesn’t do anything.)

Hardly anybody noticed the new signage. (Almost nobody noticed)

Some and any are both used in questions to talk about someone or something that you know exists

Are you waiting for somebody?

Do you know anybody here?

Some is used in questions to offer something or ask for things.

Would you like some coffee?

Can I have some money, please?

Any is used in most questions especially when you don’t know if that person or thing exists.

Do you have any equipment?

I can’t find my mobile phone. Has anybody seen it?

Any is often used after if.

If there are any questions, please raise your hands.

If anyone calls, tell them I’m out of the office.

Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.

Any is used if the idea of if is implied in the sentence.

We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this issue caused you. (if the issue caused any inconvenience).

Anyone who wishes to take on this project, please see me in my office. (if there is anyone)

Any can be used to mean “it doesn’t matter which”.

You can choose any color. They all look good on you anyway.

Which flight schedule should we book? – I don’t care. Any schedule is fine with me.

Compare: something and anything:

A: I’m bored. I want to do something.

B: What would you like to do?

A: It doesn’t matter. Anything. (=something, but it doesn’t matter what)

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words.

Someone was asking for you earlier but you were out for lunch.

Across the world, when somebody becomes of age, they celebrate it with a big party.

There wasn’t anybody/anyone in the conference room.

However, use them/they/their after somebody/someone/anybody/anyone.

Someone left their laptop in the break room. (=his or her laptop)

If anybody wants to go home early, they can. (=he or she can)