Line英会話クラス

Lesson Plan February 10, 2023

Topic: Some and Any

In this lesson we will be looking at how we use some and any in sentences and questions.

Section A

In general we use some (also somebody / someone / something) in positive sentences, and any (also anybody / anyone / anything) in negative sentences.

Compare these sentences

• We bought some flowers.

• We didn’t buy any flowers.

• He’s busy. He’s got some work to do.

• He’s lazy. He never does any work

• There’s somebody at the door.

• There isn’t anybody at the door.

• I want something to eat.

• I don’t want anything to eat.

We use any in the following sentences because the meaning is negative.

• I accidentally left the house without any money. (= I didn’t take any money with me)

• He refused to eat anything. (= He didn’t eat anything)

• It’s a very easy exam. Hardly anybody fails. (= Almost nobody fails)

Section B

We use both some and any in questions. We use some / somebody / something to talk about a person or thing that we know exists, or we think exists.

• Are you waiting for somebody? (I think you are waiting for somebody)

We use some in questions when we offer or ask for things

• Would you like something to eat? (There is food or snacks to eat)

• Can I have some sugar, please? (There is probably sugar I can have)

But in most questions, we use any, especially when we do not know if the thing or person exists

• A: Do you have any luggage?
  B: No, I don’t.

• I can’t find my bag. Has anybody seen it?

Section C

We also use any with the meaning it doesn’t matter which.

• You can take any bus. They all go to the shopping centre. (= It doesn’t matter which bus you take)

• A: Sing a song.
  B: Which song do you want me to sing?
  A: Any song. I don’t mind. (= It doesn’t matter which song)

• Come and visit me any time you want.

We use anybody / anyone / anything / anywhere in the same way.

• We forgot to close the door tight. Anybody could have come in.

• A: Let’s go out somewhere.
  B: Where would you like to go?
  A: Anywhere. I just want to go out.

Compare something and anything

• A: Are you hungry? I’m hungry. I want something to eat.
  B: I could eat. What would you like?
  A: I don’t mind. I’ll eat anything. (= It doesn’t matter what)

Lesson Notes

• I am watching the snow fall. (Present continuous)

• The snow is piling up in my garden. (Present continuous)

• There is about 10 cm of snow piled up. (Present tense; a fact)

• We often use any when asking for advice, compare these two sentences

• Do you know any good hotels in Kyoto?

• You’ve stayed in Kyoto many times, do you know some good places to stay?

• Somebody / someone / anybody / anyone are singular words, but we use they / them / their after these words

• A: Someone is here to see you.
  B: Who are they?

• Someone has forgotten their umbrella. (= his or her umbrella)

• If anyone wants to leave early today, they can. (= he or she can)