✨ Lesson 5: Quantifiers for Both ("some," "any," "a lot of," "no")
We have learned quantifiers for countable nouns (like 'many') and for uncountable nouns (like 'much'). Today, we will learn some very useful and flexible1 quantifiers that you can use with both types of nouns!
'some' and 'any'
These two words are partners. 'Some' is usually for positive sentences, and 'any' is usually for questions and negative sentences.
some (for positive sentences)
- I have some money. (Uncountable)
- She would like some water. (Uncountable)
- They have some friends in Kampot. (Countable)
- I will buy some mangoes. (Countable)
any (for questions and negative sentences)
- I don't have any money. (Uncountable Negative)
- Is there any sugar? (Uncountable Question)
- There aren't any empty chairs. (Countable Negative)
- Do you have any brothers? (Countable Question)
'a lot of' and 'no'
These words also work with both types of nouns.
a lot of (for a large quantity in positive sentences)
- There is a lot of traffic this morning. (Uncountable)
- There are a lot of motorbikes on the road. (Countable)
no (meaning zero; none)
We use 'no' in a positive sentence structure to give a negative meaning2. It is a strong and clear way to say zero.
- I have no time to help. (= I don't have any time.)
- There are no tourists on the beach today. (= There aren't any tourists.)
Summary Table
| Quantifier | Typical Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| some | Positive (+) | I have some rice. |
| any | Negative (-) & Question (?) | Do you have any questions? |
| a lot of | Positive (+) Large Amount | He has a lot of friends. |
| no | Negative Meaning (Zero) | There is no sugar. |
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose 'some' or 'any'
Complete the sentences with 'some' or 'any'.
- I need to buy ___ new shoes.
→ some - Are there ___ good restaurants near here?
→ any - I'm sorry, we don't have ___ mangoes today.
→ any - She gave me ___ good advice.
→ some
📝 Homework: At the Market
Imagine you are at a market in Kampot. Write a short, three-line conversation between a customer and a seller using 'some' and 'any'.
Example:
Customer: Hello, do you have any fresh crabs?
Seller: Yes, I have some very nice crabs today.
Customer: Great! I will take some, please.
Customer: ___________________________________?
Seller: _____________________________________.
Customer: ___________________________________.