some

The word “some” means an unspecified but limited amount or number of something. In plain terms, an amount or number that isn't exact — more than none, but not all or a specific figure.

“Some” is pronounced suhm (/sʌm/ in IPA).

Here is “some” used in a sentence: “Could you pass me some sugar for my coffee?”

The opposite of “some” — its antonyms — are many, much, none and no.

Depending on how it is used, “some” can be a determiner and a pronoun.

The word “some” comes from Old English. From Old English sum, "a certain one", going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "one" or "whole".

“Some” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Some” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unspecified but limited amount or number of something.

Both refer to an unspecified amount, but they are used differently. 'Some' appears in positive statements and offers: 'I have some questions,' 'would you like some water?' 'Any' appears in negatives and most questions: 'I don't have any questions,' 'is there any water?' Using 'some' in an offer signals you expect a yes.

'Some' is vaguer — an unspecified, limited amount that could be small or moderate. 'A few' specifically means a small number, usually two or three. 'Some people came' leaves the number open, while 'a few people came' tells you not many did. 'A few' also works only with countable nouns.

It can be both, depending on the noun. With countable plural nouns it feels plural: 'some books are missing.' With uncountable nouns it takes a singular verb: 'some water is left.' 'Some' itself never changes form — the noun and verb decide the agreement.

In 'she bought some apples,' 'some' signals an unspecified but limited number of apples. With uncountable nouns it marks quantity instead: 'add some salt.' It sits before the noun and, unlike an exact number, deliberately leaves the amount vague.