some

some¹ [səm strong sʌm ] determiner

[: 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.

some ²

some² [sʌm] pron

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

some³ W1S1 determiner

1.) 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 sth

▪ We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.

2.) 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 sth or other/another

▪ Just give him some excuse or other.

3.) used to say that something was very good or very impressive

▪ That was some party last night!

4.) 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!

some ⁴

some⁴ [səm strong sʌm] adv

1.) some more

an additional number or amount of something

▪ Would you like some more cake?

2.) AmE 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 sth

literary a fairly large number or amount of something

▪ We travelled some little way before noticing that Bradley wasn't with us.