The
use and rules of the words SOME and ANY are somewhat (there is no ‘anywhat’)
vague to say the least or so impossibly complicated that a PhD is required (see
point 5 below.)
However, you know it sounded right when Oliver asked Mr.
Bumble, “please sir, I want some more”
and not “please sir, I want any more”.
I looked at these two words more closely and there is an easy pattern which will
help you. No PhD required.
Here is a 5 point novel guide to SOME vs. ANY.
To start with, let’s take a look at the dictionary
definitions first. I want you to notice, the dictionary uses the word SOME in
the description of ANY—not helping in the distinction, but there is a pattern
in the examples.
1. The definition of SOME
SOME is an unspecified amount or things of.
Examples
"I made some money running errands"
"She married some newspaper magnate twice her age"
2. The definition of ANY
ANY is used to refer to one or some of a thing or number of
things. Or whichever of a specified class might be chosen.
Examples
"I don't have any choice"
"These constellations are visible at any hour of the
night"
3. Positive vs. Negative (Some vs. Any)
The first way to differentiate between SOME and ANY is that
SOME is positive and ANY is negative. This is probably the most popular
difference but only accounts for a few instances.
I want you to look back at
the dictionary examples:
SOME: I made some
money running errands. This is a POSITIVE sentence.
ANY: I made any money
running errands. This does not make sense.
ANY: I didn’t make any
money running errands. This is a NEGATIVE sentence.
SOME: I didn’t make
some money running errands. The problem here is firstly, the sentence is
awkward and secondly, the sentence falsely makes SOME a specific amount.
SOME is POSITIVE and ANY is NEGATIVE.
4. Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive (SOME vs. ANY)
This difference between SOME and ANY comes into play when
referring to a defined destination. The destination might be any one the
following:
- A Time
- A Place
- A Person
- A Future State
SOME is restrictive to the final destination.
ANY is non-restrictive to the final destination.
Have another look at the dictionary examples:
SOME newspaper magnate—this sentence is specific and
restrictive
ANY newspaper magnate—this sentence is open and
non-restrictive
Visible at SOME hour—this is Restrictive
Visible at ANY hour—this is Non-restrictive
5.The argument against
the rules?
I want to be open and transparent, so I provided you with a
technical argument against what I have written. Take a look at: SOME REASONS WHY THERE CAN’T BE ANY some-any RULE, by Robin Lakoff in 1969.
Once you have read it please explain it to me!
OR check out Queen on You Tube (way better!) Somebody to Love!
