Count / noncount nouns

with some and any

c
c = uncountable = countable

n
c

-- a
-- an
-- a
a
--
an a
Recognizing count and noncount nouns
Some and any

We generally use some and any to talk about indefinite amounts:

I’ve got some good news.

I don’t have any news.

Have you got any news?

 any

any
some

any
some

any

any

some
Can you get me some milk?

(The quantity isn’t specified. Some suggests a normal amount, not

an unlimited amount. Compare: Can you get me five liters of milk?)
We use the weak form of some in affirmative sentences and in questions (usually expecting the answer ‘yes’),

when the quantity is indefinite or not important (we use any in questions and negative sentences):

I’ve got some /səm/ water.

Have you got some water? (expecting the answer yes)

Have you got any water? (open yes-no question)

I haven’t got any water. (negative)

We use some and any in different types of clauses.

He’s got some homework. Some is most common in affirmative

+
Not: He’s got any homework. clauses.

He hasn’t got any homework.

– Not: He hasn’t got some Any is most common in negative clauses.
homework.

Has he got any homework?

?+
Has he got some homework?
Any is more common in questions but
we can use some when we are
expecting the answer to be ‘yes’.
Hasn’t he got any homework?
?−
Hasn’t he got some homework?