Some and any
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Some and any describe an indefinite quantity of countable and uncountable nouns. They are both quantifiers, which means that they are words that describe a quantity of something without mentioning the exact number. Usually they are used, if this exact number is unknown, irrelevant or uncountable. Some can also be a part of the compound words somehow, someone and somewhere. Any can be part of the compound words anyhow, anyone and anywhere.
The following table explains when to use "some" and when to use "any".
| Word | Meaning | Case | Example |
| Some | a few/a little | In positive sentences | He gave him some food (uncountable). He gave him some apples (countable) |
| Some | a few/a little | In questions where positive answers are expected, or when the question is an offer | Do you want some apples? Would you like some bread? |
| Any | none | In negative sentences |
She doesn't have any money. I don't have any apples. |
| Any | a few/a little | In questions | Did you take any apples? |
| Any | none/very few | In positive sentences, after words that are negative or limited, such as rarely, hardly, never... | They rarely give us any presents. |
Sometimes a question is asked with the word "any", but the answer is using the word "some".
That can lead to confusion.
For example:
Question: Do you have any friends? Answer: Sure, I do have some friends.
(If the answer is negative we would use: No, I don't have any friends.
For example:
Question: Do you have any friends? Answer: Sure, I do have some friends.
(If the answer is negative we would use: No, I don't have any friends.