The words some and any are used when the speaker cannot specify or does not need/want to specify a number or an exact amount. Compare the following sentences:
- I sawsevendeer when riding my bike in the forest yesterday. (It is important that you know how many deer I saw.)
- I sawsomedeer when riding my bike in the forest yesterday. (I don't know exactly how many deer Isaw.Or:It is not important that you know exactly how many deer I saw.)The "rules" that follow apply also towords containing some and any:somebody/anybody,something/anything, etc.
In general,some is used in positive sentences:
*.I got some nice presents for Christmas this year.
*.This job is going to take sometime.
*.Look! There are some large black birds on the roof of the church.
*.You have some butter on your chin.
*.If you are hungry, there are some biscuits in the cupboard.
*.I'm sure I'll return to Japan someday.
*.There is somebody on the phone for you.
*.I'd like to go some where hot this summer.In general,anyis used in negative sentences and questions
*.I didn't get any nice presents for Christmas this year.
*.I looked in the cupboard but I couldn't find any biscuits.
*.I don't need any help.
*.She's so rude. No wonder she doesn't have any friends.
*.I don't have anything to wear to the dance.
*.I'm not hungry. I don't want any thing to eat.
*.Do you have any brothers or sisters?*.Did you catch any fish?
*.Have you seen any good films recently?
*.Does any one know the answer?
*.Are you going any where this Christmas?
In fact, the use of some/any is a little more complicated. Following are two common occasions when the above "rules" are "broken"
1. We can use some in questions when offering/requesting:
*.Would you like some more tea?
*.Could I have some milk, please?
*.Do you want something to eat?
2. We use any in positive sentences when we mean it doesn't matter which ..
*.You can come and ask for my help any time.
*.Which book shall I read?
-Anyone. It's up to you.
*.You can sit any where but here. This is my seat!
Sumber http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/some.htm
Tanggal 27 September 2014
