Some - Any - A - An

A and AN

We use A/AN (articles) with singular countable nouns.

• My brother has a ferret for a pet.
• There is an accident on the corner.

A is used when the next word starts with a consonant sound.

• A book
• A guitar
• A friend
• A university (The start of the word university sounds like YOU, a consonant sound).

AN is used when the next word starts with a vowel sound.

• An apple
• An ice-cream
• An orange
• An hour (the letter H in this word is silent so it sounds like it starts with a vowel).

Some and Any

We use SOME and ANY with plural nouns and uncountable nouns.

Some is generally used in positive sentences.

Any is generally used in negative sentences.

I have some information for you about flights to Paris.
(Positive - Uncountable)
I don't have any information for you about flights to Paris.
(Negative - Uncountable)

We met some friends for drinks after work yesterday.
(Positive - Plural Countable)
I didn't see any friends there on Thursday.
(Negative - Plural Countable)

I think he will have some time to speak to you today.
(Positive - Uncountable)
I don't think he will have any time to speak to you today.
(Negative - Uncountable)

You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.

• I didn't eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)
• Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn't take any. (photos)

Questions with Some and Any

Generally, we use ANY in questions.

• Do you know any famous people?
• Do you have any children?

But, SOME is used in the following circumstances:

1. When we are offering something.

• Would you like some coffee?
• Do you want some sugar for your coffee?

2. When we are asking for something.

• Could I have some salt, please?
• Can I have some fries with that?

3. When we are suggesting something.

• Why don't we rent some movies to watch tonight?
• Why don't you give her some advice?

You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.

I didn't eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)

Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn't take any. (photos)

Try our interactive games to practice this: Some - Any - A - An

If you found this explanation useful, share it with others:

Last Updated: 22 September 2009