Would you like some/any milk ?

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ph2004

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What is correct : Would you like some/any milk ?
And why ?
 

sarat_106

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What is correct : Would you like some/any milk ?
And why ?

You can use anyone, because both may be used in affirmative or negative questions.
 

ph2004

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You can use anyone, because both may be used in affirmative or negative questions.

Thanks. But is it correct to say : "Would you like some apples ?", or is it "Would you like any apples ?"
 

sarat_106

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Thanks. But is it correct to say : "Would you like some apples ?", or is it "Would you like any apples ?"

Yes, excepting nagative statements you can treat both words as synonyms.
You do not like some apples. (incorrect)
You do not like any apple. (correct)
 

sarat_106

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Because the meaning may sometimes appear cryptic(not in this case), in particular when a sentence is grammatically positive, but the meaning of the sentence is negative. Have a look at these sentences.
My brother never takes some milk with non vegetarian food.
My brother never takes any milk with non vegetarian food.
I don’t care for some ice cream with my chocolate cake.
I don’t care for any ice cream with my chocolate cake.
 
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mxreader

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You do not like some apples. :tick:

Agreed. IMHO the idea expressed with any/some should not be explained in terms of positives or negatives at all.
 

Kondorosi

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'some' expresses the idea is restricted in some way. On the other hand, any is free from limitations.

Compare:
I like some people.
I like any people.
 

TheParser

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What is correct : Would you like some/any milk ?
And why ?
***NOT A TEACHER***I was taught that sometimes there is a very subtle difference between these two words in questions such as yours. If you visit a friend's home at dinnertime, a friend who asks, "Would you like anything to eat?" may be secretly hoping that you say "No." In other words, your friend is just being polite and almost expects a "No" answer on your part; "Would you like something to eat?" (especially accompanied by a big smile) might mean a sincere wish that you join them for dinner.
 

Abstract Idea

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***NOT A TEACHER***I was taught that sometimes there is a very subtle difference between these two words in questions such as yours. If you visit a friend's home at dinnertime, a friend who asks, "Would you like anything to eat?" may be secretly hoping that you say "No." In other words, your friend is just being polite and almost expects a "No" answer on your part; "Would you like something to eat?" (especially accompanied by a big smile) might mean a sincere wish that you join them for dinner.

Interesting. I was taught exactly the same thing. But there is an important difference. I was taught it as an ESL student. I thought this 'feeling' were 'natural' to native English speakers. Were you taught it as a child?
 

TheParser

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Interesting. I was taught exactly the same thing. But there is an important difference. I was taught it as an ESL student. I thought this 'feeling' were 'natural' to native English speakers. Were you taught it as a child?
Thank you for your note. I probably did not express myself well. I don't know whether I learned this "naturally" or in school. I suspect it was just a "feeling" I got since English is my native (and only) language.
 
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