Some and any have similar meanings. Some is common in affirmative sentences. Any is common in negative or interrogative sentences.

Compare:

• I want to buy some apples. (Affirmative)
• Have you got any apples? (Interrogative)
• I haven’t got any apples. (Negative)

In affirmative sentences any can be used after if.

• If you need any help let me know.

Similarly, some can be used in questions which are offers/requests or which expect the answer ‘yes’.

• Will you have some coffee? (Offer)
• Could you lend me some money? (Request)
• Did you buy some clothes? (Here we use some because we expect an answer in the affirmative.)

No related posts.