Some vs. Any
Some suggests an indefinite quantity or number. It is most common in affirmative clauses. In questions and negatives, we normally use any to express the same idea.
- I want some milk.
- Is there any milk left?
- No, there isn’t any milk left.
Some can be used in questions that express offers and requests.
- Would you like some coffee? (NOT Would you like any coffee?)
- Could I have some rice, please?
Any can be used in affirmative clauses after words that have a negative meaning. Examples are: hardly, scarcely, never, little.
- You hardly give me any help. (NOT You hardly give me some help.)
