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some
/sʌm/
an unspecified amount or number
I need some help with this problem.
An unspecified amount of help is requested.
general
an unspecified quantity or number
Can I have some water, please?
Requesting an unspecified amount of water.
Used to refer to an amount that is not specified or is not important to specify.
general
a certain or particular one
Some people enjoy reading books.
A certain group of people enjoy reading.
Used to refer to an unspecified person or thing.
general
to a certain extent or degree
The weather is some better today.
The weather has improved to a certain extent.
Used as an adverb to indicate a moderate degree.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Determiner vs. Pronoun
'Some' can function as a determiner (e.g., 'some water') or a pronoun (e.g., 'I need some').
Gold Rule
Negative and Interrogative Use
'Some' is often used in negative and interrogative sentences to refer to an unspecified amount or number.
Word Origin
Old English 'sum', from Proto-Germanic 'sumaz', meaning 'some, a certain amount'. Related to Old Norse 'sumr' and Old High German 'sum'.
Usage Notes
Can be used as a determiner, pronoun, or adverb. Often used in negative or interrogative sentences to refer to an unspecified amount or number.
Word Breakdown
some
an unspecified amount or number
rootEnglish Dictionary