Some
'Some' can be used as a determiner, pronoun, and adverb. In this lesson, we will discover all about this word and its uses and functions.
Some is used to modify a noun or replace it. It can also act as an adverb. Here, we have covered all of its uses.
Functions of 'Some'
1. 'Some' as a Determiner
Use
Some as a determiner comes with nouns to show an unspecified number or amount, a considerable/small amount or number, an unknown person/thing, or approval/disapproval. Take a look:
- Some before countable or uncountable nouns indicates an unspecified number or amount, respectively; like:
I'll have
We don't know exactly how much water.
We don't know exactly how many books.
- Some can be used to show a considerable or a small amount or number. Regarding other sentences in a context, we can identify if it means 'considerable' or 'small.' In this case, 'some' must be pronounced with stress. Look:
I went to
I went to a large amount of trouble.
I liked
I liked sport a little.
- Some is also used to talk about an unidentified, unnamed, unspecified person or thing, it can be used with plural or singular (countable) nouns. Like:
I talked to
- Some in informal contexts is used to show approval/admiration or disapproval/disappointment depending on the contexts. In this case, 'some' must be pronounced with stress. Look:
That was
such a dress
Here, 'some' shows 'disappointment.'
Position in a Sentence
Some as a determiner is used before nouns to modify them. It is never used in negative sentences; instead, we use any in negative sentences. For example:
I liked
Do you have
2. 'Some' as a Pronoun
Use
Some as a pronoun is used to show the unspecified amount or number of people or things. It replaces a noun it refers to. Look:
Most people are bilingual but
I need ten pencils. Do you have
Position in a Sentence
3. 'Some' as an Adverb
Use
Some as an adverb is used to indicate an approximate number, an unspecified degree or amount, or shows doing an action quite a lot. Look:
- Some as an adverb indicates an approximate number. It has a similar meaning to 'approximately.' Look:
I have
'Some' can be left out as an adverb and here it shows an approximate number.
- Some as an adverb is used to indicate an unspecified degree or amount, a little amount or a few number, like:
Would you like
In this case, it is mainly used with 'more.' Here 'some more books' means 'a few more books.'
There are
'Some' here means 'a little' because it precedes an uncountable noun.
- Some as an adverb modifies the verb and means 'to some extent; quite a lot.' Look:
I need studying
She helped me
Position in a Sentence
Some as an adverb is used to modify a verb, an adjective, a determiner, or another adverb. Take a look;
I need studying
'Some' modifies the verb.
I have
'Some' modifies the determiner '20.'
Would you like
'Some' modifies the determiner 'more.'
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