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some

some

 
pronunciation:
suhm
parts of speech:
adjective, pronoun, adverb
features:
Note, Homophone Note
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: being an amount or number that is not stated.
He gave me some money.
definition 2: not known or named.
Some man stopped to ask about a job.
definition 3: being of a great but not stated number or amount.
It will take some time to finish this report.
 
part of speech: pronoun
definition: certain people, things, or events that are not named or known.
I'm nervous around strange dogs because some are friendly and some are not.
 
part of speech: adverb
definition 1: about; approximately.
It cost some fifty dollars for those tickets.
definition 2: (informal) a bit; somewhat.
He reads some, but not much.
some or any?
We use any in negative sentences about quantity and in questions about quantity. Some is not usually used in negative sentences, but can be used in questions if we think that the answer is likely to be yes. We also use some when we offer something to someone in order to encourage that person to say yes.
Compare:
  • Do you have any candy?
  • I don't have any candy with me now.
  • I do have some candy at home.
  • Would you like some coffee?
Homophone Note
The words some and sum (the result of adding) sound alike but have different meanings.