Words Students Confuse - some and any

ScottsEnglish

We recently heard a student say, "I don't want some coffee."

The student should have said, "I don't want any coffee."

The rule is that we use the word any in questions or in negative statements, while we use some in positive statements.

For example, "Is there any paper left in the printer?" "No, there isn't any, so I'll go and get some".

This is the general rule, though, and there are some questions which break it. If you can see the item, you can use some in a question, for example, "Would you like some tea with your biscuits?" means that you know there is tea.

Put some or any in the following exercise.

1. Did you buy _____________ flour?

2. I have ______________ thank you cards to write.

3. They haven't seen ______________ of the Marvel movies?

4. I'll drink ________________ coffee after dinner.

5. Are there _________________ students left in the school?

Click here for the correct answers.

1. Did you buy any flour?

2. I have some thank you cards to write.

3. They haven't seen any of the Marvel movies?

4. I'll drink some coffee after dinner.

5. Are there any students left in the school?