Some - Any - A - An

English Grammar Rules

Source: https://www.grammar.cl/Notes/Some_Any_A_An.htm

A and AN

We use A/AN (articles) with singular countable nouns.

• My brother has a dog and my sister has a cat.
• There is an accident on the corner.

A is used when the next word starts with a consonant sound.

• A book
• A guitar
• A friend
• A university (The start of the word university sounds like YOU, a consonant sound).

AN is used when the next word starts with a vowel sound.

• An apple
• An ice-cream
• An orange
• An hour (the letter H in this word is silent so it sounds like it starts with a vowel).

• Some and Any

  We use SOME and ANY with plural nouns and uncountable nouns.
  Some is generally used in positive sentences.
  Any is generally used in negative sentences.
  • I have some information for you about flights to Paris.
    (Positive - Uncountable)
  • I don't have any information for you about flights to Paris.
    (Negative - Uncountable)
  • We met some friends for drinks after work yesterday.
    (Positive - Plural Countable)
  • I didn't see any friends there on Thursday.
    (Negative - Plural Countable)
  • I think he will have some time to speak to you today.
    (Positive - Uncountable)
  • I don't think he will have any time to speak to you today.
    (Negative - Uncountable)
  
  
  You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.
  • I didn't eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)
  • Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn't take any. (photos)
  
  

  Questions with Some and Any

  Generally, we use ANY in questions.
  • Do you know any famous people?
  • Do you have any children?
  But, SOME is used in the following circumstances:
  1. When we are offering something.
  • Would you like some coffee?
  • Do you want some sugar for your coffee?
  2. When we are asking for something.
  • Could I have some salt, please?
  • Can I have some fries with that?
  3. When we are suggesting something.
  • Why don't we watch some movies on TV tonight?
  • Why don't you give her some advice?
  
  
  You can also use SOME and ANY in a sentence without a noun if the meaning of the sentence is clear.
  I didn't eat any salad but Peter ate some. (salad)
  Sean took lots of photos of the mountains but Emma didn't take any. (photos)

  Summary Chart