THE CORRECT USE OF SOME ADJECTIVES
Some, any - To express quantity or degree some is used normally in affirmative sentences, any in negative or interrogative sentences.
I will buy some mangoes.
I will not buy any mangoes.
Have you bought any mangoes?
But any can be used after if in affirmative sentences.
If you need any money I will help you.
Some are used in questions that really offer/request or which expect the answer "yes".
Will you have some ice cream? (Offer)
Could you lend me some money? (Request)
Did you buy some clothes? (I expect you did.)
Each, every - Each and every are similar in meaning, but every is a stronger word than each; it means, 'each without exception'. Each is used in speaking of two or more things; every is used only in speaking of more than two. Each directs attention to the individuals forming any group, every to the total group. Each is used only when the number in the group is limited and definite; every when the number is indefinite.
Every seat was taken.
Five boys were seated on each bench.
Every one of these chairs is broken.
Leap year falls in every fourth year.
He came to see us every three days. [i.e., once in every period of three days].
It rained every day during my holidays.
It was away for ten days and it rained each day.
Little, a little, the little - Note carefully the use of -
(1) little, (2) a little, (3) the little.
Little = not much (i.e., hardly any). Thus, the adjective little has a negative meaning.
There is little hope of his recovery, i.e., he is not likely to recover.
He showed little concern for his nephew.
He has little influence with his old followers.
He showed little mercy to the vanquished.
He has little appreciation for good poetry.
A little = some though not much. 'A little ' has a positive meaning.
There is a little hope of his recovery, i.e., he may possibly recover.
A little tact would have saved the situation.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
The little = not much, but all there is.
The little information he had was not quite reliable.
The little knowledge of carpentry that he possessed stood him in good stead.
[The sentence means - The knowledge of carpentry he possessed was not much, but all that knowledge stood him in good stead.]
