SOME: used in positive sentences for countable and uncountable nouns.
Example: I have some friends.
ANY: used in negative sentences or questions for countable and uncountable nouns.
Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
EXCEPTION! "some" is used in questions when offering or requesting something that is there.
Examples: Would you like some bread? (offer) - Could I have some water? (request)
SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE, SOMETHING: Used in positive sentences.
Example: He lives somewhere near here.
ANYBODY, ANYWHERE, ANYTHING: Used in negative sentences or questions.
Examples: Do you know anything about that boy? - She doesn't have anywhere to go.
NOTHING: Used in positive sentences (with a negative meaning).
Example: This show is very boring! There's nothing interesting!
TEST
1) A / AN, SOME or ANY?
1. I've got ………………. cookbook. / 2. There is ……………….water in the fridge. / 3. There isn't ……………….whisky left in the bottle. / 4. There was……………….bottle of whisky on the shelf. / 5. She wants to eat ……………….apple. / 6. Have we got ……………….chips?
2) SOMETHING, ANYTHING OR NOTHING ?
1. He's hungry, but there's …………………… to eat in the fridge!
2. I don't want to eat……………………
3. I can see …………………… under the table. What is it?
4. "Pardon? What did you say?" - "……………………"
5. Is there …………………… interesting to watch on TV tonight?
ANSWERS:
Exercise 1) 1: a | 2: some | 3: any | 4: a | 5: an | 6. any - Exercise 2) 1: nothing | 2: anything | 3: something | 4: Nothing! | 5: anything
