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13/11/2005
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In general we use some (also somebody/someone/something) in positive sentences and any (also anybody etc.) in negative sentences:
| Some |
- We bought some flowers.
- He's busy, he has got some work to do.
- There's somebody at the door.
- I'm hungry. I want something to eat.
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| Any |
- We didn't buy any flowers.
- He's lazy, he never does any work.
- There isn't anybody at the door.
- I'm not hungry, I don't want anything to eat.
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| We use any in the following sentences because the meaning is negative: |
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She went our without any money. (She did not take any money with her.)
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He refused to eat anything. (He did not eat anything.)
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Hardly anybody passed the examination. (= almost nobody passed) |
| In most questions we use any: |
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"Have you got any luggage?" "No, I haven't."
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"Has anybody seen my bag?" "Yes, it's under the table." |
| But we use some in questions when we expect the answer "yes" |
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| We use some in questions when we offer or ask for things: |
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We often use any after if: |
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If there are any letters for me, can you send them on to this address?
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If anyone has any questions, I'll be pleased to answer them.
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Let me know if you need anything. |
| The following sentences have the idea of if: |
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We also use any with the meaning "it doesn't matter which" |
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You can catch any bus. They all go to the centre. (= it doesn't matter which bus you catch)
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"Sing a song." "Which song shall I sing?" "Any song. I don't mind." (= it doesn't matter which song)
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Come and see me any time you want.
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"Let's go out somewhere." "Where shall we go?" "Anywhere. I don't mind."
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We left the door unlocked. Anybody could have come in. |
| Compare something and anything: |
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| Somebody/someone/anybody/anyone are singular words: |
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| But we often use they/them/their after these words: |
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Someone has forgotten their umbrella. (= his or her umbrella)
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If anybody wants to go home early, they can. (he or she can) |
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