Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare via emailShare via Facebook Messenger

Learn the Difference Between ‘Some’ and ‘Any’ in Less Than a Minute

Updated on January 14, 2021Grammar Tips

Some typically implies a specific type or form. For example: I bought some candles. Some of my Facebook friends live in San Diego.

Some is only used in a question when an offer is being made, or there is a request for something. For example: Do you need some assistance? Could I have some more of that pecan pie?

Some and any

Use any when you’re talking about something that is not specific. For example: I don’t want any help. There isn’t any pecan pie.

Any also describes an indefinite or an incomplete quantity when the speaker can not, or does not need or want to specify a number or an exact amount. For example: He does not have any friends on the team.

To learn more about the differences between similar words, read this blog post about who’s vs. whose.

Your writing, at its best.
Works on all your favorite websites
iPhone and iPad KeyboardAndroid KeyboardChrome BrowserSafari BrowserFirefox BrowserEdge BrowserWindows OSMicrosoft Office