Some / any / a lot of
Quantifiers
1. Some, any, a lot of
Some, any and a lot of are quantifiers, that is, they tell us that there is a certain number or quantity of something when we don't know or we don't want to say the exact number or amount.
A lot of
There is a lot of food!
Some
I have some questions.
Any
I haven't got any money.
They are usually placed before the noun they accompany.
2. When do we use some?
We use some in affirmative sentences when we want to express a certain number or amount of something. It is also used in interrogative sentences when they are offers or requests and the expected answer is a yes.
| Countable (plural) | Uncountable | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFFIRMATIVE | A certain number | I've got some new glasses. | A certain amount | I have some money. |
| INTERROGATIVE | A certain number | Can I take some biscuits? | A certain amount | Can I have some milk? |
Buy some beans, please.
Would you like some magazines to read?
Some is not used in negative sentences
3. When do we use any?
In negative sentences, any is used to express that there is no amount or number of something. In interrogative sentences, it is used to ask about a certain number or amount of something.
| Countable (plural) | Uncountable | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEGATIVE | No number | I haven't got any clean socks. |
No amount | There isn't any homework. |
| INTERROGATIVE | A certain number | Have you got any sisters? |
A cetain amount | Is there any sugar? |
I haven't got any bread.
Are there any banks near here?
Any is not used in affirmative sentences or with singular countable nouns.
I've got some sweets. / I've got any sweets.
There aren't any seats. / There isn't any seat.
4. When do we use a lot of?
A lot of is used to express a large number or amount of something. It is used both with uncountable and plural countable nouns.
There are a lot of trees in this park.
Hurry up! We haven't got a lot of time.
A lot of is mostly used in affirmative sentences, although it can also be used in negative and interrogative sentences.
Remember!
| Use | Examples | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| SOME | A certain number or amount |
Affirmative sentences Offers and Requests |
There are some pencils on the floor. This box is too heavy. Do you need some help? |
| ANY |
No number or amount A certain number or amount |
Negative sentences Interrogative sentences |
There isn't any homework. Are there any vacancies? |
| A LOT OF |
A large number or amount |
Mostly in affirmative sentences |
We need a lot of apples to make this cake. |