SOME OR ANY? EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
B1–B2 · IntermediateSome 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.
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1. I went to the tourist office to get _____ information.
Correct answer: some
2. The woman said they didn't have _____ more applications.
Correct answer: any
3. _____ called you last night.
Correct answer: Someone
4. I need _____ time to think about this.
Correct answer: some
5. _____ day we'll be together.
Correct answer: Some
6. Is there _____ evidence that he's guilty?
Correct answer: any
7. I haven't seen her for _____ time now.
Correct answer: some
8. Our order is due to arrive _____ day now.
Correct answer: any
9. Have you seen my notebook? I can't find it _____.
Correct answer: anywhere
10. He offered her _____ help.
Correct answer: some
11. She didn't want _____ help from him.
Correct answer: any
12. We just asked for _____ time.
Correct answer: some
13. They told us they had _____ money for us.
Correct answer: some
14. I like to go swimming _____ chance I get.
Correct answer: any
15. Why isn't there _____ food in the refrigerator?
Correct answer: 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.
Correct answer: any
17. I'll be taking _____ time off work this week.
Correct answer: some
18. I left my wallet _____ around here, but I can't find it.
Correct answer: somewhere
19. He still has _____ hope that he'll win.
Correct answer: some
20. I'm looking for a good restaurant. Do you know of _____?
Correct answer: any
Next exercise: Some or Any? – Exercise 2 →
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.”
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