Some vs. Any

English Dojo Podcast – Episode: Some vs. Any

Host: Welcome back to the English Dojo! I’m Sarah, and today we’re talking about two little words that can be confusing—some and any. But don’t worry! By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly when to use them.

Both some and any mean a certain amount of something, but we use them in different ways.

• Use "some" in positive sentences and offers/requests.

  • There is some water in the fridge.

  • Can I have some sugar, please?

• Use "any" in negative sentences and questions.

  • There isn’t any milk left.

  • Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I’ll say a sentence, and you choose some or any. Ready?

1. I need ___ eggs to make a cake. (Pause) … That’s right! Some.

2. Do you have ___ pens I can borrow? (Pause) … Good! Any.

3. She doesn’t have ___ money right now. (Pause) … Yes! Any.

4. We bought ___ fruit at the market. (Pause) … Correct! Some.

Great job! 🎉

Think of some as a friendly word—it’s used when we give or offer something.
Think of any as a questioning word—it’s used when we ask or deny something.

So, if you go to a café, you might say:
Can I have some coffee? (Offering/requesting)
They don’t have any tea. (Negative)
Do you have any snacks? (Question)

That’s it for today! Now, go out and use some and any in real conversations. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. See you next time in the English Dojo!