Page 570 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

546 some
1 meaning: indefinite quantity/number
Some is a determiner (see 154). It often suggests an indefinite quantity or number, and is used when it is not important to say exactly how muchlmany we are thinking of.
I need some new clothes. Would you like some tea?
2 pronunciation
When some has this indefinite meaning, it usually has a 'weak' pronunciation /s(a)m/ before (adjective +) noun.
some /s(a)m/ new clothes some /s(a)ml tea For more about 'strong' and 'weak' pronunciations, see 616.
3 some and any
With this meaning, some is most common in affirmative clauses, and in questions which expect or encourage the answer ·Yes'. In other cases, any is generally used. For details, see 547. Compare:
- There are some children at the front door.
Do you mind ifI put some music on?
- Did you meet any interesting people on holiday?
She hasn't got any manners.
4 some and a/an
Some (in this sense) is used in similar ways to the indefinite article alan (see 65). However, it is not normally used with the same kind of nouns. Compare:
I need a new coat. (singular countable noun) (NOT ••• S6me new ~ttt.) I need some new shirts. (plural countable noun)
I need some help. (uncountable noun)
5 when some is not used
With an uncountable or plural noun, some usually suggests the idea of an indefinite (but not very large) quantity or number. When there is no idea of a limited quantity or number, we do not usually use some. For details, see 67. Compare:
- We've planted some roses in the garden. (a limited number) I like roses. (no idea of number)
- Bring some food in case we get hungry.
The President Ilas appealed for food for the earthquake victims.
6 some and some of; some with no following noun
Before another determiner (article, demonstrative or possessive word) or a pronoun, we use some of. Compare:
- I've got tickets for some concerts next month. (NOT ••• S6me o{ctmcert3 •..)
Pete's coming to some ofthe concerts. (NOT ••• S6me the COIteert3 •..) - Some people want to get to sleep. (NOT ••• S6me o{peBple •.•)
Some ofus want to get to sleep. (NOT Some tIS •.• ) Nouns can be dropped after some, if the meaning is clear.
I've got too many strawberries. Would you like some?
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