When I have to use "some" and when - "any"

Question

I think that if we talk about something uncountable I must use "some" But I am sure there are much more than that Thank you

Teacher Eric · Accepted Answer

"Some" may be used with either countable or uncountable nouns. The same goes with "any".

I have some money left from yesterday's allowance.
Some of my friends went to the mall.

I don't have any friends.
Do you have any love left in your heart?

"Any" and "Some" may be interchangeable in a question although the former is preferred.

Do you have any milk?
Do you have some milk?

Use "any" when replying in the negative.

A: Do you have any money?
B: Sorry, I don't have any (milk).

Use "some" when replying in the affirmative.

A: Do you have any money?
B: Yeah, I have some

.

Maverick88 · Answer

So besides the replying in thenegative\affirmative there is no difference between them
I know that there is but can you please explain me additionally to giving examples?
Thank you veeeeery much

Teacher Eric · Answer

"Some" is generally used for affirmative statements.

1. I'm going to buy some stuff at Costco.
2. There's some dirt on the carpet.
3. We had some people over for dinner last night.
4. There are some guests complaining about the service.

"Any" is generally used in negative statements.

1. I'm not going to buy any stuff at Costco.
2. There isn't any dirt on the carpet.
3. We didn't have any people over for dinner last night.
4. There aren't any guests complaining about the service.

Use "Any" in most questions although "some" may also be used. I'd choose "any" over "some", though. Your call.

Is there any cold water in the fridge?
Is there some cold water in the fridge?

Does he have any friends?
Does he have some friends?

Use "Some" when asking for things.

Can I have some more?
May I use some of your stuff?
Can you lend me some money?

Use "Some" when offering things. Use for plural and uncountable nouns. For singular nouns, use a/an.

Would you like some milk?
Would you like to have some (more) oranges?
Would you like an apple?

"Some" and "any" can be used even without a noun. However, the noun should've been established previously.

I didn't drink any beer but James drank some. (some = some beer)
You can have some but I don't want any. (some = some + noun; any = any + noun)

A: Hey, I ordered some pizza. Would you like some?
B: No thanks. I don't want any.

Maverick88 · Answer

Hey thanks I am just wondering because I thought that there is much more rules than that
Thanks again

Teacher Eric · Answer

You're welcome. Anytime!

When I have to use "some" and when - "any"

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