The Rules for 'Some' & 'Any'
We use some and any to talk about an unknown or non-specific amount of something. They can be used with both countable (plural) and uncountable nouns.
Rule 1: Use 'Some' (+)
Use some in positive (affirmative) sentences.
"I have some friends." (Countable)
"I need some water." (Uncountable)
Rule 2: Use 'Any' (-)
Use any in negative sentences (with 'not' or 'n't').
"I don't have any friends." (Countable)
"There isn't any water." (Uncountable)
Rule 3: Use 'Any' (?)
Use any in most questions.
"Do you have any friends?" (Countable)
"Is there any water?" (Uncountable)
Exception: Use 'Some' (?)
Use some in questions when you are offering or requesting something.
"Would you like some tea?" (Offer)
"Can I have some cookies?" (Request)
Let's Compare!
Uncountable (e.g., milk)
(+) There is some milk in the fridge.
(-) There isn't any milk in the fridge.
Countable (e.g., apples)
(+) I bought some apples.
(-) I didn't buy any apples.
Questions (e.g., coffee)
(?) Do you have any coffee? (General question)
(?) Would you like some coffee? (Offer)
Questions (e.g., information)
(?) Do you have any information? (General question)
(?) Can I have some information? (Request)
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