Any / some pronouns: usage, examples and exercises

Some words of the English language have certain characteristics, such as different translation options depending on the context, shades of meanings that are not visible at first glance, and so on. One of these topics is the pronouns any / some, the use of which is described in detail in the article.

Indefinite pronouns some and any: general

Both words can play the role of a noun and an adjective in a sentence. Basic rule: some occurs mainly in the affirmative form, and any occurs in the case of denial, as well as in interrogative and conditional sentences.

The main cases of use with examples:

1. As adjectives (in any temporary form, plural. Number). Depending on the meaning, in such cases they may not be translated.
   - She gave him some biographic books. “ She gave him some biographical books.”
   - Did you find any surrealistic pictures? - Did you find any surrealistic paintings?
2. With uncountable nouns. Most often not translated.
   - I'm hungry. Bring me some porridge, please. - I want to eat. Bring me some oatmeal, please.
   - There is not any water in the cup. - There is no water in the cup.
3. Replacing uncountable nouns.
   - She wants some black tea. Can you give us some? - She wants black tea. Can you bring (tea)?
   - I want milk. There is not any in the pitcher. - I want milk. There is no (milk) in the jug.
4. In general and special matters, some is used, not any (a rule to remember).
   - Where will Ann take ~ salt? - Where will Anna get the salt?
   - When will Ben bring ~ butter? “ When will Ben bring the butter?”
5. Pronoun some: translation - "some".
   - ~ childrens like playing the piano. - Some children like to play the piano.
   - ~ of his best friends speak Spanish. - Some of his best friends speak Spanish.
6. Any in English is used primarily in meanings such as "everyone" or "any." It occurs in combination with any nouns (including uncountable ones).
   - Can I take such a book at ~ reading room? - Can I take such a book in any reading room?
   - You can't find this expensive book at ~ library. “ You cannot find this expensive book in any library.”
   - My friends may call he me at ~ time. - My friends can call on me at any time (at any time).

Persistent expressions with the word any

In every language, there are constructs called persistent expressions. Their meaning is not always obvious, so some such phrases just need to be memorized.

• in ~ case - in any (in any) case;
• at ~ time - at any time;
• ~ and all - everything, any;
• ~ man alive - someone, someone;
• ~ number of things - anything;
• at ~ moment / one time - always, at any moment;
• at ~ rate - in any case, under any circumstances;
• by ~ chance - by chance;
• by ~ means - by any means, in any way / way, no matter what;
• to go ~ length - go / be ready for anything;
• for ~ purpose - for any purpose;
• hardly ~ - hardly, almost nothing;
• in ~ respect - in all respects;
• in ~ way / shape / form - in no way.

Persistent phrases with the word some

As for the pronoun some, translation, as in the case of "any", depends on the context. The following expressions are very common in English. For fluency, you should remember them and gradually include them in your vocabulary.

• ~ few - few;
• ~ time - some time;
• ~ of these days - someday (American expression);
• at ~ point - sooner or later, once;
• at ~ length - lengthy;
• by ~ means - one way or another, one way or another;
• for ~ reason - for some reason, for some reason;
• for ~ time past - for some time, for some time, recently;
• get ~ sleep - take a nap;
• in ~ cases - in some cases;
• in ~ degree - to some extent / degree;
• in ~ measure - to some extent;
• to ~ purpose - not unsuccessfully, not useless.

Pronouns any, some: use of their derivatives (-body, -thing, -one, -where)

The meaning of derivatives is similar to the meaning of the basic words. Let's take a closer look at the table below.

As for derivatives of any / some, usage retains the same characteristics as in the main pronouns.

Examples:

• Is there anybody at school? - Is there anyone at school?
• Somebody entered the classroom. - Someone went to class.
• She doesn't see anybody. “ She doesn't see anyone.”

To make the learning process more effective, try to gradually incorporate new words and phrases into your own speech. The application of the material studied must be brought to automatism, otherwise it is quickly forgotten or remains part of passive knowledge (that is, it is remembered only when reading, and not in oral speech). To include vocabulary in your active vocabulary, compose your own sentences and dialogs, speak and write essays.

Some features of the pronouns somebody and someone

Despite the simplicity of using the above words, it is worth remembering some features in order to avoid speech errors and the incorrect combination of lexical units.

• Derivatives of any and some, formed using -one and -body, refer to animate nouns. For the inanimate, -thing is used.
• At first glance, there is no difference between the words somebody and someone, since both pronouns are translated into Russian in the same way: someone, someone, etc. However, there is a significant difference, which is as follows: -body implies one of the many possible ones, -one indicates a specific person, without naming specifically.
  - I think somebody can help. - I think someone can help.
  - She knows someone who always can help. - She knows someone who is always ready to help.
• In addition to the singular, the plural may be implied: Someone (-body) is coming. - Someone is walking (one or several people).

Answer Exercises

In addition to making suggestions, another effective method is to perform the exercises. The study of a significant number of tasks will help to master any grammatical theme of the English language. This will enable you to identify your weaknesses and show what knowledge gaps have yet to be filled.

Task 1: Fill in the gaps with the words any / some (the use and features of which are discussed in detail above).

1. I've got ... interesting Spanish books. - I have some interesting Spanish books.
2. She took ... money and went to the classical music concert. - She took (a little) money and went to a concert of classical music.
3. Have you got ... French magazines to read? - Do you have French magazines (read)?
4. Will you have ... water? - Do you want water?
5. You can take ... dress you like. - You can choose any dress that you like.

Task 2: Translate into English.

1. The teacher asked me to bring some chalk.
2. Do you have beautiful dresses?
3. When will she buy (some) milk?
4. Will your friend be green tea?
5. She does not make any mistakes.

Answer 1:

• some - 1, 2, 4.
• any - 3, 5.

Answer 2:

1. The teacher asked to bring some chalk.
2. Have you got any beautiful dress?
3. When will she buy some milk?
4. Will your friend have some green tea?
5. She doesn't make any mistakes.

For the successful development of any material, try to immediately put it into practice. Learning a language is a living process that should not be taken as a dry memorization of numerous rules and lists of words. Make English an integral part of your life, comprehending through it those areas that are of interest to you. The choice is unlimited: listening to foreign songs, reading the original English press and fiction, watching movies and TV shows, talking with native speakers and much more. With this approach, you will be able to achieve great success in the shortest possible time. Indeed, sincere interest in the subject under study is the best motivation!