- pronunciation:
- suhm
- parts of speech:
- adjective, pronoun, adverb
- features:
- Note, Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
being an unspecified number or amount.
We brought some sandwiches in case we get hungry later.There is still some coffee left. Would you like it? |
| definition 2: |
being unknown or unnamed.
Some man stopped in to inquire about a job as a dishwasher. |
| definition 3: |
being unspecified but relatively great in number or amount.
It was some years before the two brothers saw each other again. |
| related words: |
several, various |
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| part of speech: |
pronoun |
| definition 1: |
an unspecified quantity or proportion of people, things, or instances.
I'm nervous about dogs because some are friendly and some are not.- similar words:
- certain
|
| definition 2: |
an indefinite quantity or number in addition to what was previously specified.
The project took ten weeks and then some.- similar words:
- several
|
| related words: |
couple, many |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition 1: |
approximately; about.
It cost some fifty dollars. |
| 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.