"Some" and "Any"
Hi,
I understand that "some" is used in positive statements, and "any" is used in negative statements and questions.
I have a question about this conversation:
"Do we have any mayonnaise?
"No, we need to buy some."
Why is the answer "some" in the second sentence if it's a negative statement?
Thank you.
Top answer
You understand correctly, but need to buy some is positive not negative. Compare: [1] We need to buy some mayonnaise . [positive statement] [2] We needn't buy any mayonnaise .
- You understand correctly, but need to buy some is positive not negative.
- Compare: [1] We need to buy some mayonnaise .
- [positive statement] [2] We needn't buy any mayonnaise .
- [negative statement]
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You understand correctly, but need to buy some is positive not negative. Compare:
[1] We need to buy some mayonnaise. [positive statement]
[2] We needn't buy any mayonnaise. [negative statement]
0scarf witty 274"No, we need to buy some."
Compare these:
We need to buy some (mayo). (positive)
We do not need to buy any (mayo). (negative)
0
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