Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Some or any

 We don't usually use "some" or "any" when the quantity is already clear or specific. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

  • I need two cups of sugar for the recipe. (clear quantity)
  • There are five people waiting for the bus. (specific quantity)
  • I have only one pen left. (clear quantity)

Here are some exercises to help you practice:

  1. Can you give me ___ piece of paper? (some/any/no article) Answer: no article (assuming you only need one piece)

  2. She needs ___ more minute to finish her work. (some/any/no article) Answer: no article (assuming she only needs one minute)

  3. I have ___ appointment at 2:00 pm. (some/any/no article) Answer: a (specific appointment)

  4. We need to buy ___ dozen eggs. (some/any/no article) Answer: a (specific quantity)

  5. He has ___ cars in his garage. (some/any/no article) Answer: two (specific quantity)

Remember that using "some" or "any" can sometimes add emphasis or indicate a more informal tone, even when the quantity is clear. For example, "Can I have some water?" may sound more polite or friendly than "Can I have water?" even if the speaker only wants one glass.

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