A1 · Lesson 10 · 20 min
Some, any, much and many
In this lesson
- I can use some and any in simple sentences, negatives and questions.
- I can choose much or many with common nouns.
Grammar in context
Mina is making lunch for her friends. She has some bread and some tomatoes, but she does not have any cheese. At the shop, she asks, “Are there any bananas?” and “How many apples do we need?”
Which words come before bread, cheese, bananas and apples?
Some in positive statements
Use some in positive statements with more than one thing or an amount of food or drink: We have some apples. There is some milk. Some does not tell us the exact number or amount.
- We have some eggs for breakfast.
- Leo drinks some water after football.
Any in negatives and questions
Use any with not: We don’t have any eggs. Use any in a question when you do not know the answer: Do we have any milk? Some is also possible in offers or requests: Would you like some tea?
- I do not have any money today.
- Does your sister need any help?
Much and many
Use many with things you count: How many chairs are there? Use much with words such as water, time and sugar: How much water do you need? We often use much in questions and negatives: There isn’t much water.
- How many buses go to the station?
- We do not need much rice.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
There isn't some milk.
Use
There isn't any milk.
Use any, not some, in this negative statement.
Avoid
How much pens are on the desk?
Use
How many pens are on the desk?
Pens are countable plural nouns, so use many.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.