Some/any: General rules

A. In general, we use some (also somebody/someone/something) in positive sentences and

any in negative sentences.

Some
We bought some flowers
Hes busy. Hes got some work to do.
Theres somebody at the door.
Im hungry. I want something to eat.
Any
We didnt buy any flowers.
Hes lazy. He never does any work.
There isnt anybody at the door.
Im not hungry. I dont want anything to
eat.

We use any in the following sentences because the meaning is negative:

She went out without any money. (she didnt have any money with her)
He refused to eat anything. (he didnt eat anything)
Hardly anybody passed the examination. (=almost nobody passed)

B. We use both some and any in questions. We use some to talk about a person or thing that
we know exists, or we think exists:
Are you waiting for somebody? (I think you are waiting for somebody)

We use some in questions when we offer or ask for things:

Would you like something to eat? (I have something to eat that I want to give you)
Can I have some sugar, please? (there is probably some sugar and I want to have
it)

But in most questions, we use any. We do not know if the thing or person exists:

Do you have any luggage? No, I dont

I cant find my bag. Did anybody see it?

We use any after if (condicional. Si...)

If there are any letters for me, can you send them on to this address?
If anyone has any questions, please ask.
Let me know if you need anything.