INDEX:
1. some, but not a large number
2. some, but not a large amount
3. some, but not all
RELATED WORDS
see also
↑ FEW/NOT MANY
↑ LOT
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1. some, but not a large number
▷ some /s ə m, strong sʌm/ [determiner/pronoun]
a number of people or things, but not a large number - use this when you are not saying exactly what the number is :
▪ There were some children playing in the street.
▪ ‘Have we got any biscuits?’ ‘Yes, I’ve just bought some.’
some of
▪ Come over here and meet some of my friends.
some more
▪ I’ve got some more photos of her upstairs.
some other
▪ There are some other reasons as well as those I have mentioned.
▷ a few /ə ˈfjuː/ [quantifier]
a small number of people, things etc :
▪ ‘Are there any chocolates left?’ ‘Only a few.’
▪ They went to China a few years ago.
▪ We know a few people who work in advertising.
a few of
▪ I’m going to the club with a few of my friends.
▷ several /ˈsev ə rəl/ [quantifier]
more than a few people or things, but not a large number :
▪ The President visited several states on his tour.
▪ We’ve had several meetings, but nothing has been agreed.
▪ She’s been to Japan several times.
several of
▪ I’ve read several of his books and they’re really good.
▪ Several of the islands have beautiful beaches.
▷ a number of /ə ˈnʌmbər ɒv/ [quantifier]
several :
▪ A number of people said they had seen the stolen van earlier in the day.
▪ We have received a number of complaints about last night’s programme.
▪ A number of her ideas were very good indeed.
▷ a couple of /ə ˈkʌp ə l ɒv/ [quantifier] informal
a very small number but at least two :
▪ I’d just like to ask you a couple of questions before you go.
▪ Those baskets are nice, and they only cost a couple of quid.
▪ There wasn’t much mail this morning - just a couple of bills.
2. some, but not a large amount
▷ some /s ə m, strong sʌm/ [determiner/pronoun]
an amount of something, but not a large amount - use this when you are not saying exactly what the amount is :
▪ Can I borrow some money, Dad?
▪ I need some time to think about what you’ve said.
▪ ‘We’ve run out of milk.’ ‘Do you want me to go and get some?’
some of
not the whole thing
▪ Have some of this cake -- it’s delicious.
some more
▪ Would you like some more wine?
▷ a certain amount of /ə ˌsɜːʳtn əˈmaʊnt ɒv/ [quantifier]
a fairly large amount - use this to talk about people’s feelings, abilities etc :
▪ It’s a job that requires a certain amount of intelligence and skill.
▪ A certain amount of stress is unavoidable in daily life.
▷ a measure of /ə ˈmeʒər ɒv/ [quantifier] formal
a fairly large amount of something, especially something good :
▪ There is a measure of flexibility in the system.
▪ Having a job gives me a measure of independence.
3. some, but not all
▷ some /sʌm/ [quantifier]
some but not all of a number or amount :
▪ Some trees lose their leaves in the autumn.
▪ Some students only come here because they want to have fun, not because they want to learn.
some of
not all the people or things in a group
▪ ‘Have you met Jack’s friends?’ ‘Some of them.’
▪ I’ve only spent some of the money.