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         Essential Basic

byKenneth Beare 

Updated July 27, 2019

These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these 25 short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.

01

of 25

When to Use Any or Some

Some and any are used with both countable and uncountable nouns to ask about, confirm and respond negatively about an indefinite amount. Some and any are used with singular and plural verb forms. Here are some examples followed by the rules: Do you have any salt? There are some chairs in that room. She doesn't have any money.

• Use "some" in positive sentences. We use some for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: I have some friends.
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" in questions when offering or requesting something that is there. Example: Would you like some bread? (offer) - Could I have some water? (request)
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" words—somebody, someone, somewhere and something—in positive sentences. Example: He lives somewhere near here.
• Use "any" words—anybody, anyone, anywhere and anything—in negative sentences or questions. Example: Do you know anything about that boy? - She doesn't have anywhere to go.