- 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. |
| related words: |
several, various |
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
| related words: |
couple, many |
|
|
| 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?
The words
some and
sum (the result of adding) sound alike but have different meanings.