Some

1. Strong form some

1.1. The strong form of some is stressed. This form contrasts with others or all or enough

2. Strong form examples

2.1. Why do some people live longer than other people? (some, not others) Some boys went to the front of the stage to get a better view. The rest of us couldn’t see a thing. (some, not all) There were some cakes left but not enough for everyone. (some, but not enough) I’m not keen on some types of fish. I find plaice a bit tasteless. We can use this strong form to refer to someone or something particular but unknown, especially with singular countable nouns: There must be some way of opening this printer! Some idiot driver crashed into the back of me.

3. Some with numbers

3.1. We use the strong form of some with numbers. It can suggest an unexpectedly high amount: Some £30 billion was needed to rebuild the hospital. Some 60% of the course is devoted to design.

4. Use

4.1. We use some before nouns to refer to indefinite quantities. Although the quantity is not important or not defined, using some implies a limited quantity:

5. examples

5.1. Can you get me some milk? (The quantity isn’t specified. Some suggests a normal amount, not an unlimited amount. I’ve got some questions for you. Would you like some ketchup to go with your fries?

6. Some as a pronoun

6.1. We use some as a pronoun (i.e. without a noun following) when the noun is understood: If you need any money, I’ll lend you some. French mustards are usually flavoured with spices. Some have added sugar. Some are quite salty

7. Some: typical errors

7.1. We don’t use weak form some with singular countable nouns: In the reception area we found a brochure about the history of the house. Not: … we found some brochure … We use some, not a or an, before uncountable nouns: Do you need some overnight accommodation? Not: … an overnight accommodation?