Any, some, a little, at all, somewhat

Question

Hi,Could you read the sentences below and see if there are correct:1) Are you any better?    Yes, some better.2) Are you any better?    Yes, a little better.3) Are you a little better?    Yes, some better.4) Are you a little better?    Yes, a little better.5) Are you some better?    Yes, a little better.6) Are you better at all?    Yes, some better.  7) Are you somewhat better?    Yes, a little better.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here are two more sentences:A) Would you like some more apple juice?B) Would you like any more apple juice?Are they correct grammatically?Are there differences, in terms of politeness, formalness, or personal intimacy?Regards,Stephen

Rover_KE · Accepted Answer

2, 4 and 7 are correct.

A and B are grammatically correct and there is no difference at all between them.

Rover

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thank you very much!

But does some also mean a little?
I found a sentence in a dictionary; it reads: I am some tired.

Best wishes,

Stephen

Rover_KE · Answer

Some often means a little:

'Can you lend me some/a little sugar?'

But 'I am some tired' exists in no form of English I have ever encountered.

I could accept 'I am so tired' and 'I am somewhat tired'.

Rover

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thank you.

I found that any could be put before the comparative form of an adjective, like better.

Can it be put before the base form of adjective?

Is the sentence "Is the water any hot" correct?

Does it mean "Is the water a little hot" ?

Stephen

Rover_KE · Answer

Is the sentence "Is the water any hot" correct? No.

But it's fine to say 'Is there any hot water?'

Rover

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thank you, Rover.

Stephen

Any, some, a little, at all, somewhat

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