> Other English exercises on the same topic: Quantities [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Some and any - Countables and uncountables - Some / Any / Much / Many - Determiners and Distributive Pronouns - Hundred, thousand, million - Quantifiers: some,any,no - Some / Any - Every / All / Whole / Any / Each / Either
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Some- or any- + body/-thing/-where

Some and any

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

• She went out without any money. (She didn't take any money with her.)

• He refused to eat anything. (He didn't eat anything.)

• Hardly anybody passed the examination. (= almost nobody passed)

In most questions we use any:

• ‘Have you got any luggage?' No, I haven't.'

• ‘Has anybody seen my bag?' Yes, it's under the table.'

But we use some in questions when we expect the answer 'yes':

• What's wrong? Have you got something in your eye? (It seems that you have got something in your eye and I expect you to answer 'yes'.)

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

• Would you like something to eat?     

• Can I have some sugar, please?

We often use any after if

• If there are any letters for me, can you send them on to this address?

• If anyone has any questions, I'll be pleased to answer them.

• Let me know if you need anything.

The following sentences have the idea of if:

• I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused. (= if I have caused any trouble)

• Anyone who wants to do the exam must give me their names today. (= if there is anyone)

We also use any with the meaning 'it doesn't matter which':

• You can catch any bus. They all go to the centre. (= it doesn't matter which bus you catch)

•'Sing a song.' Which song shall I sing?'' Any song. I don't mind.' (= it doesn't matter which song)

• Come and see me any time you want.

• 'Let's go out somewhere.'    'Where shall we go?' 'Anywhere. I don't mind.'

• We left the door unlocked. Anybody could have come in.

Compare something and anything:

• A: I'm hungry. I want something to eat.

  B: What would you like?

  A: I don't mind. Anything. (= something, but it doesn't matter what)

Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words:

• Someone is here to see you.

But we often use they/them/their after these words:

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

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