English Grammar

something-anything/some-any

User since 2008
Posts: 588

15 March 2009

Does anyone need anything?
Can you pick up some herbal tea?
I don't have any money.

To my opinion in interrogative and negative constructions we must use any and anything instead of some and something.
Why is it correct to say "any money" but "some herbal tea"?

3 comments

Fugendichter
User since 2008
Posts: 588
15 March 2009

Does anyone need anything?
Can you pick up some herbal tea?
I don't have any money.

To my opinion in interrogative and negative constructions we must use any and anything instead of some and something.
Why is it correct to say "any money" but "some herbal tea"?
Does anyone need anything? Can you pick up some herbal tea? I don't have any money. To my opinion in interrogative and negative constructions we must use any and anything instead of some and something. Why is it correct to say "any money" but "some herbal tea"?
AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
15 March 2009

Anyone who agrees is invited to tell it as well.
Anyone who agrees is invited to tell it as well.
AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
15 March 2009

If you were absolutely lacking of the slightest civility you could stick to your opinion, Cimbel.
But by asking someone if they can pick up SOME herbal tea, you let know that you wouldn't be cross if they did. SOME instead of ANY in such a invitation is a token of politeness.

I've been told you never drank any cup of tea at breakfast. But at this five-o'clock break, shall I pour you out SOME herbal tea?

[If I said: ... may I pour you out any herbal tea? , I presume you would think I mean to offer you any kind of herbal tea, one at random, it doesn't matter if it were good, mild, strong or whatever.]

Who doesn't agree is invited to tell it.
If you were absolutely lacking of the slightest civility you could stick to your opinion, Cimbel. But by asking someone if they can pick up SOME herbal tea, you let know that you wouldn't be cross if they did. SOME instead of ANY in such a invitation is a token of politeness. I've been told you never drank any cup of tea at breakfast. But at this five-o'clock break, shall I pour you out SOME herbal tea? [If I said: ... may I pour you out any herbal tea? , I presume you would think I mean to offer you any kind of herbal tea, one at random, it doesn't matter if it were good, mild, strong or whatever.] Who doesn't agree is invited to tell it.

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