Some

assertive pro-forms indefinite determiners indefinite pronouns 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.

How to Use "Some" in the English Grammar

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 some water after lunch.

We don't know exactly how much water.

Some books were left on the table.

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 some trouble. That was the worst in my life.

I went to a large amount of trouble.

I liked some sport but I was not sportive.

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 guy who was blonde.

Some cats cannot eat meat.

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 some dress.

such a dress

Some mother you are! Your baby is crying out loud and you don't do anything.

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 some sport but I was not sportive.

Do you have some water?

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 some are not.

I need ten pencils. Do you have some to lend?

Some of the things you said were right.

Position in a Sentence

Some as a pronoun can be used as a subject or object depending on the nouns it replaces and refers to. Take a look:

Some of the things you said were right.

'Some' is a subject.

Do you want some?

'Some' replaces the object.

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 20 books here.

'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 some more books?

In this case, it is mainly used with 'more.' Here 'some more books' means 'a few more books.'

There are some more water in this glass.

'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 some.

She helped me some.

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.

'Some' modifies the verb.

I have some 20 books here.

'Some' modifies the determiner '20.'

Would you like some more books?

'Some' modifies the determiner 'more.'

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