Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

(1) I have some friends.
(2) I don't have some friends.
(3) I have any friends.
(4) I don't have any friends.

What is the difference between (1) and (2)?

What is the difference between (3) and (4)?

The negative sentence of (1) is (4)?

Thank you in advance.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Learner -

The easiest way to remember when/how to use some/any -

?/No --> any
offer/yes --> some

When asking a question -> use any
Do we need/have/want any eggs/bread?

When the answer is NO -> use any
No, we don't need/have/want any eggs/bread.

When offering things--> some
Would you like some bread?

When the answer is Yes -> use some
Yes, we need/have/want some eggs/bread.

So...

1- (Yes) I have some friends.
2- X
3-X
4- (No) I don't have any friends.

"The negative sentence of (1) is (4)?" Yes, it is.

Keep up the good work! Philo

[learner12]

Dear Philo Kevetch:

Thank you so much for your good idea in solving the problem of any+some.

(a)
Aren't (1) and (2) the same meaning? If I use (2), do you feel that it is not English?

(b)
Isn't (3) "I have many friends,""I am popular with everyone," "I am loved by everybody"?

Thank you in advance.

[Philo Kevetch]

No, (1) and (2) do not have the same meaning.
(1) is positive - Yes, I do have friends.
(2) is negative - No, I do not have friends.

If you use (2) as written in your original example, it is not correct English.

No, (3) does not have the same meaning as either of your examples.

In order to make (3) grammatically correct, you would have to add 'not' -
"I haven't any friends." - and it would mean the opposite of your examples.

"Essential Grammar In Use", by Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press) might help you better understand when/how to use some/any.

Philo

[learner12]

Dear Philo Kevetch:

Thank you so much for your time and explanation.

I understood you.

Thank you again for your hospitality.

Have a nice weekend.