Some and any ; something, somebody, etc...
I. Some and any : general
Some and any
are used with plural and uncountable nouns, usually when we are talking about
unknown or uncertain amounts or numbers of things :
Ø Some is used :
- In
affirmative sentences. Example : She has some
doubts about the decision.
- In
questions where we expect agreement
or the answer «Yes». Example : Didn’t John’s parents give him some money ?
Ø Any is used :
- In
sentences with a negative meaning, including words such as «not», «barely»,
«never», «rarely», etc.. Example : We haven’t got any butter left.
- In
other questions. Example : Do you have any
better ideas ?
Some and any can
also be used to talk about a particular person or thing without mentioning them
specifically. Example : There must be some way I can contact Jo = There must be
a way but I don’t know one.
II. Some and any : details
Ø Some is used :
- When we
mean quite a large amount of or large number of something.
- When,
we mean «not all». Example : Some
people don’t like tea.
- In
orders and requests in order to sound positive, expecting the answer «Yes».
Example: Shall I send you some
details?
Ø Any is used :
- When we
mean «all of them» but it’s not important which’. Example : Any of the students could have answered
the question.
- When
«any» means «If there is / are any». Example : Any question should be sent to the manager.
- Commonly,
in «if» clauses. Example : If you have any
problem, let me know.
III. Someone / anyone, something /
anything...
A number of
compound words begin with some and any : someone /
anyone, somebody / anybody and something / anything. The use of these words is
generally the same as that of some
and any described previously. Note that with them we use a singular verb. Example : Is there anyone at home ?
Much (of), many
(of), a lot of, lots (of)
Much and many
are used to talk about quantities and amounts. Much is used with uncountable
nouns and many with plural nouns. Example : Many people (= plural noun) eat too much meat (= uncountable noun).
«Much of» can also
be used with a singular countable noun to mean «a large part of». Example : Much of the park was destroyed in the
fire.
We can use much and
many without a noun if the meaning is clear. Example : Can you get some sugar ?
There isn’t much left.
Much and many are
mainly used :
- In
negative sentences to emphasise that we are talking about small quantities or
amounts. Example : He didn’t show much
interest in what I said.
- In
questions to ask about quantities or amounts. Example : Have you got much homework to do ?
In affirmative sentences, we often use a lot of, lots of, plenty of, to talk
about large amounts and quantities. Example : Lots of her students went on to become teachers.
Few, a few (of), little, a little (of)
Few is used with plural countable nouns.
In a positive context we will have for instance : I’ve got a few close friends that I meet regularly. In a negative context we
will have : He has few close friends
and often feels lonely.
Little is used with uncountable nouns. In a
positive context we will have : I have to go now, I have a little work to do. In a negative context we will have : There was
little work to do so I didn’t earn
much money.
Little and few emphasize a small quantity or a
small number, whereas a few and a little emphasise the fact that even if the
quantity is small, it is still important.
We usually need to put of after quantifiers that are
followed by a pronoun,
a determiner
or a possessive
form before a noun.
|
Quantifier |
Without of
|
With of |
|
some |
I made some
fresh coffee and handed a cup to Adam. |
Some of my jewellery is missing. |
|
any |
Don’t pay any
attention to what she says. |
Have you seen any of these new light bulbs in the shops yet ? |
|
much |
She did the job, but without much enthusiasm. |
Snow is now covering much of the country. |
|
many |
Many talented young scientists are moving
to Australia. |
She gave many
of her best paintings to her friends. |
|
both |
Both Alice and Tim enjoy cycling. |
Both of my parents are teachers. |
|
all |
All people over 18 are required to vote. |
All of Bob’s closest friends were women. |
|
each |
He wrote down the cost of each item in his shopping basket. |
Each of you should sign the register before
you leave. |
|
none |
She searched the shelves for books on yoga, but
could find none. |
I tried on lots of coats but none of them fitted perfectly. |
|
few |
There was silence for a few seconds, and then she began to speak. |
They had a
few of their friends round. |
|
little |
It’ll take a
little time, but I should be able to mend it. |
Little of his money came from his parents. |
Exercices
Exercice 1 :
Complete these sentences
with some or any :
1. She’s going on holiday with……….friends in
August.
2. There was never……….question that she would
return home.
3. Wasn’t there……….problem about your tax last
year ? I remember you telling me about it.
4. There is seldom……….world news in « The
Daily Star ».
5. I hope there wasn’t……….damage to your car.
6. Joan’s mother scarcely ever let her
have……….friends round.
7. ‘I’m going in holiday next week’. ‘But haven’t
you got……….important work to finish?’.
8. There can hardly be……….doubt that he is the
best tennis player in the world.
Exercice 2 :
Complete these sentences
with much, many, a lot of or lots :
1. This job won’t take……….time.
2. He’s got……….books.
3. Where there……….people at the meeting ?
4. There were……….people in the shop.
5. Did you have……….trouble finding her
house.
Exercice 3 :
Complete these sentences
with few, a few, little, a little :
1. He made………progress.
2. I made……….mistakes.
3. Many questions were asked, but……….were
answered.
4. There is only……….milk left.
5. We are going away for……….days.