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some

Meaning: indefinite quantity/number​

Some is a determiner. It often suggests an indefinite quantity or number, and is used when it is not important to say exactly how much/many we are thinking of.

  • I need some new clothes.
  • Would you like some tea?

Pronunciation​

When some has this indefinite meaning, it usually has a ‘weak’ pronunciation /s(ə)m/ before (adjective +) noun.

  • some /s(ə)m/ new clothes
  • some /s(ə)m/ tea
note

For more about ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ pronunciations, (see here).

some and any​

With this meaning, some is most common in affirmative clauses, and in questions which expect or encourage the answer ‘Yes’. In other cases, any is generally used. For details, (see here). Compare:

  • There are some children at the front door.
    Do you mind if I put some music on?
  • Did you meet any interesting people on the trip?
    She hasn’t got any manners.

some and a/an​

Some (in this sense) is used in similar ways to the indefinite article a/an (see here). However, it is not normally used with the same kind of nouns. Compare:

  • I need a new coat. (singular countable noun) (not … some new coat.)
  • I need some new shirts. (plural countable noun)
  • I need some help. (uncountable noun)

When some is not used​

With an uncountable or plural noun, some usually suggests the idea of an indefinite (but not very large) quantity or number. When there is no idea of a limited quantity or number, we do not usually use some. For details, (see here). Compare:

  • We’ve planted some roses in the garden. (a limited number)
    I like roses. (no idea of number)
  • Bring some food in case we get hungry.
    The President has appealed for food for the earthquake victims.

some and some of; some with no following noun​

Before another determiner (article, demonstrative or possessive word) or a pronoun, we use some of. Compare:

  • I’ve got tickets for some concerts next month. (not … some of concerts …)
    Dan’s coming to some of the concerts. (not … some the concerts …)
  • Some people want to get to sleep. (not … some of people …)
    Some of us want to get to sleep. (not Some us …)

Nouns can be dropped after some, if the meaning is clear.

  • I’ve got too many strawberries. Would you like some?

Before of, or with no following noun, some is pronounced /sʌm/.

  • some /sʌm/ of us
  • Would you like some /sʌm/?

Contrast with others, etc​

Some (pronounced /sʌm/) can have a more emphatic meaning, contrasting with others, all or enough.

  • Some people like the sea; others prefer the mountains.
  • Some of us were late, but we were all there by ten o’clock.
  • I’ve got some money, but not enough.

An unknown person or thing​

Some (/sʌm/) can refer to an unknown person or thing (usually with a singular countable noun).

  • Some idiot has taken the bath plug.
  • There must be some job I could do.
  • She’s living in some village in Yorkshire.

We can use this structure to suggest that we are not interested in somebody or something, or that we do not think much of him/her/it.

  • Emily’s gone to America to marry some sheep farmer or other.
  • I don’t want to spend my life doing some boring little office job.

some party!​

In informal speech, some can show enthusiastic appreciation.

  • It was some party!

With numbers​

Some (/sʌm/) with a number suggests that the number is high or impressive.

  • We have exported some four thousand tons of bootlaces this year.
note

For somebody and anybody, something and anything, etc, (see here).

For some time, sometime and sometimes, (see here).