Level A1

Some vs Any

Some goes in positive sentences (I have some apples) and in requests and offers (Can I have some tea?). With not we say any (I don't have any apples), and in yes/no questions usually any too (Do you have any apples?).

I have some apples.

Look: I have some apples. A positive sentence, so some.

Forms

• I have some apples. — a positive sentence: some
• I don't have any apples. — with not, the word changes
• Do you have any apples? — in a yes/no question it usually changes too

A common mistake

Wrong: I don't have some money.

Right: I don't have any money.

Many people keep some after not. With not, the word changes, as in the right sentence.

More examples

Can I have some tea?

But when we ask for something or offer it, it's some again: Can I have some tea?

There aren't any parks in my city.

There aren't is a sentence with not, so the word changes here too.