SOME OR ANY? EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
Some and any are both used with plural and uncountable nouns, but the contexts where each one is natural are quite different — and the exceptions for offers, requests, and conditional clauses are where most learners make mistakes.
Grammar review
Some or any?
Both some and any are used with uncountable nouns and plural countable nouns to talk about an indefinite quantity. The choice is mainly determined by whether the sentence is positive, negative, or a question.
SOME — in positive statements:
“I bought some milk.” “She has some friends in Paris.”
ANY — in negative sentences and most questions:
“I didn’t buy any milk.” “Do you have any questions?”
SOME — in offers and requests (even though they’re questions):
“Would you like some coffee?” (an offer)
“Could I have some water?” (a request)
The speaker expects a positive response, so some is used.
ANY — in “if” clauses and conditional contexts:
“If you need any help, let me know.”
ANY in positive sentences — means “it doesn’t matter which”:
“Take any seat you like.” “Any doctor can prescribe that.”
Both some and any are used with uncountable nouns and plural countable nouns to talk about an indefinite quantity. The choice is mainly determined by whether the sentence is positive, negative, or a question.
SOME — in positive statements:
“I bought some milk.” “She has some friends in Paris.”
ANY — in negative sentences and most questions:
“I didn’t buy any milk.” “Do you have any questions?”
SOME — in offers and requests (even though they’re questions):
“Would you like some coffee?” (an offer)
“Could I have some water?” (a request)
The speaker expects a positive response, so some is used.
ANY — in “if” clauses and conditional contexts:
“If you need any help, let me know.”
ANY in positive sentences — means “it doesn’t matter which”:
“Take any seat you like.” “Any doctor can prescribe that.”
Choose whether each of the following sentences requires SOME or ANY.
EXAMPLE: He wanted to buy some bread.
Click on ANSWER to see the correct response.
1. I went to the tourist office to get _____ information.
a. some
b. any
2. The woman said they didn't have _____ more applications.
a. some
b. any
3. _____ called you last night.
a. Someone
b. Anyone
4. I need _____ time to think about this.
a. some
b. any
5. _____ day we'll be together.
a. Some
b. Any
6. Is there _____ evidence that he's guilty?
a. some
b. any
7. I haven't seen her for _____ time now.
a. some
b. any
8. Our order is due to arrive _____ day now.
a. some
b. any
9. Have you seen my notebook? I can't find it _____.
a. somewhere
b. anywhere
10. He offered her _____ help.
a. some
b. any
11. She didn't want _____ help from him.
a. some
b. any
12. We just asked for _____ time.
a. some
b. any
13. They told us they had _____ money for us.
a. some
b. any
14. I like to go swimming _____ chance I get.
a. some
b. any
15. Why isn't there _____ food in the refrigerator?
a. some
b. any
16. Q: Have you read any of the books I gave you? A: No, I haven't had a chance to read _____ of the books you gave me.
a. some
b. any
17. I'll be taking _____ time off work this week.
a. some
b. any
18. I left my wallet _____ around here, but I can't find it.
a. somewhere
b. anywhere
19. He still has _____ hope that he'll win.
a. some
b. any
20. I'm looking for a good restaurant. Do you know of _____?
a. some
b. any
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Either/or, neither/nor, too 1 (B1/B2)
Already or yet? 1 (B1/B2)
Fewer or less? 1 (B1/B2)
Some or any? 1 (B1/B2)
More grammar exercises
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