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What is the difference between some and any? Well, let's first go over the basics. some and any are used when we don't know the exact number of something or the exact number of something is not important. some is used for positive statements. For example, I bought some apples. (The number of apples is not important.) 'any', generally speaking, is used for negative statements questions and if clauses. I didn't buy any apples. But, but but wait! Why do we say: Do you have some time? It's a question, but we use some. Why? Because in this situation we are expecting the person answering the question to say yes (or we really want them to say yes). Let's look at an example from EnglishSpark offices: Jason is bored. He is playing video games on his computer. I need some help. I ask "Do you have some time?" because I think he is free and he will say yes. In the opposite situation, Jason is working hard. He is typing a really long report. The deadline is in 2 hours. I really need help. I ask "Do you have any time?" because I'm not sure if he is free or not. There is another exception though: I hardly have any time lately! This is a positive sentence, but we use any. Why? because when we use words that have a negative meaning (never, without, ...) or a limiting meaning (little, hardly, barely, ...) we must use any. Let's look at some examples: I barely got any sleep last night. For additional information please check English Grammar Online's site: http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/vocabulary/some-any You can also check out a few of these great online worksheets: http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/mengen.htm Thanks for stopping by. If you have an idea for a Teacher's Stumpers we would like to hear from you. Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your ideas. And please support the community by adding your thoughts in the comments below.
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| Last Updated on Monday, 08 December 2008 13:25 |



What is the difference between 'some' and 'any'? - Teacher Stumpers


