some 1 S1 W1 / səm ; strong sʌm / determiner #

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. | ‘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.’ | 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? | I’ll just have a couple of drinks.

a little a small amount of something : I speak a little Spanish. | 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.

some 2 S1 W1 / sʌm / 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.’

some 3 / səm ; strong sʌm / 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.