I. some 1 S1 W1 /səm; strong sʌm/ BrE AmE determiner
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: sum ]
1 . a number of people or things, or an amount of something, when the exact number or amount is not stated:
I need some apples for this recipe.
My mother has inherited some land.
They’re looking for someone with some experience.
The doctor gave her some medicine for her cough.
2 . a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not all:
Some people believe in life after death.
She’s been so depressed that some days she can’t get out of bed.
3 . formal a fairly large number of people or things or a fairly large amount of something:
It was some time before they managed to turn the alarm off.
The donation went some way toward paying for the damage.
4 . used to mean a person or thing, when you do not know or say exactly which:
There must be some reason for her behaviour.
Can you give me some idea of the cost?
some kind/type/form/sort of something
We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.
5 . informal used when you are talking about a person or thing that you do not know, remember, or understand, or when you think it does not matter:
Some guy called for you while you were gone.
some something or other/another
Just give him some excuse or other.
6 . used to say that something was very good or very impressive:
That was some party last night!
7 . some friend you are/some help she was etc spoken used, especially when you are annoyed, to mean someone or something has disappointed you by not behaving in the way you think they should:
You won’t lend me the money? Some friend you are!
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ some a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not a large number or amount:
There were some children playing in the street.
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‘Have we got any biscuits?’ ‘Yes, I’ve just bought some.’
▪ a few a small number of people, things etc. A few is used when there is a smaller number than some :
‘Are there any chocolates left?’ ‘Only a few.’
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I’m going out with a few of my friends.
▪ a couple of informal two or a very small number:
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
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I’ll just have a couple of drinks.
▪ a little a small amount of something:
I speak a little Spanish.
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He just wants a little sugar.
▪ a certain amount of a fairly large amount – use this to talk about people’s feelings, abilities etc:
It’s a job that requires a certain amount of skill.
II. some 2 S1 W1 /sʌm/ BrE AmE pronoun
1 . a number of people or things or an amount of something, when the exact number or amount is not stated:
I’ve just made a pot of coffee. Would you like some?
‘Do you know where the screws are?’ ‘There are some in the garage.’
2 . a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not all:
Many local businesses are having difficulties, and some have even gone bankrupt.
Some say it was an accident, but I don’t believe it.
Many of the exhibits were damaged in the fire, and some were totally destroyed.
some of
Some of his jokes were very rude.
Can I have some of your cake?
3 . and then some spoken informal used to say that the actual amount is probably a lot more than what someone has just said:
‘They say he earns $2.5 million a season.’ ‘And then some.’
III. some 3 /səm; strong sʌm/ BrE AmE adverb
1 . some more an additional number or amount of something:
Would you like some more cake?
2 . American English spoken a little:
‘Are you feeling better today?’ ‘Some, I guess.’
3 . some 500 people/50%/£100 etc an expression meaning about 500 people, 50%, £100 etc – used especially when this seems a large number or amount:
She gained some 25 pounds in weight during pregnancy.
4 . some little/few something literary a fairly large number or amount of something:
We travelled some little way before noticing that Bradley wasn’t with us.