SOME OR ANY? EXERCISE 2 – TRICKIER CONTEXTS
A2–B1 · IntermediateThis second exercise moves beyond the basic rule to cover some in offers and requests, any in positive sentences, and both words used as pronouns. Complete 20 sentences in context.
Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓
Choose whether each of the following sentences requires some or any.
EXAMPLE: He wanted to buy some bread.
Finished both? Try Much or Many? – Exercise 1 →, or review Exercise 1.
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Grammar review
Some and any — beyond the basics
The core rule is: some in positive sentences, any in negatives and questions. But several important patterns don’t follow this neatly.
SOME in offers and requests:
When a question is really an offer or polite request, use some — because you expect a positive response.
Would you like some tea? (offering)
Could I have some time to think? (requesting)
ANY in positive sentences (“whichever / no matter which”):
Any in a positive statement signals free choice or unlimited scope.
You can go to any store — they all carry it.
Call me at any time.
Barely / hardly + any:
Expressions like barely and hardly are negative in meaning, so they take any.
He has barely any free time these days.
Both as pronouns:
When used without a following noun, both words act as pronouns.
Some of them will probably show up. / I don’t know if any of them will come.
The core rule is: some in positive sentences, any in negatives and questions. But several important patterns don’t follow this neatly.
SOME in offers and requests:
When a question is really an offer or polite request, use some — because you expect a positive response.
Would you like some tea? (offering)
Could I have some time to think? (requesting)
ANY in positive sentences (“whichever / no matter which”):
Any in a positive statement signals free choice or unlimited scope.
You can go to any store — they all carry it.
Call me at any time.
Barely / hardly + any:
Expressions like barely and hardly are negative in meaning, so they take any.
He has barely any free time these days.
Both as pronouns:
When used without a following noun, both words act as pronouns.
Some of them will probably show up. / I don’t know if any of them will come.
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