AEE 2387: 8 Different Ways to Use "Some" in English

Summary

All Ears English Podcast: Episode 2387 – 8 Different Ways to Use "Some" in English

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Podcast Description: The All Ears English podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced ESL learners aiming to enhance their American English skills through engaging conversations, cultural insights, and practical language tips.

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Introduction

In Episode 2387, titled "8 Different Ways to Use 'Some' in English," hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the versatile uses of the word "some." The episode aims to unravel the various contexts in which "some" can be employed, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding to enhance their fluency and expressiveness in English.

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Listener Interaction and Question Introduction

The episode kicks off with Lindsay and Michelle addressing a listener question submitted via YouTube by a user named S on sale Abadi 1500. The listener compliments the hosts' energetic voices and seeks clarification on the different uses of the word "some." Michelle remarks at [02:42] that this topic is particularly tricky, building on a previous discussion about similar words.

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Exploring "Some" in Various Contexts

1. General Indefiniteness: "At Some Point"

Lindsay explains that "at some point" refers to an unspecified time in the future, without setting a definite timeline. For example, at [04:04], Lindsay states:

"It's really more general. We don't have specifics. It means really at any point."

Michelle adds at [04:14]:

"It could be soon, it could be a little later."

Example:

• "At some point, she will probably need braces." [04:23]

This usage conveys the idea without committing to a specific time, making it useful for discussions where the exact timeline is uncertain.

2. Non-Committal Scheduling: "At Some Point" in Conversations

Michelle demonstrates how "at some point" can be used to express a non-committal intention:

"I'll probably give you a call at some point to ask about the housing market in your neighborhood." [04:59]

This phrase helps in softening requests or plans, avoiding pressure or specificity.

3. Future Aspirations: "Someday"

The hosts differentiate "at some point" from "someday," which expresses a hope or aspiration without a set timeframe.

Example:

• "Someday, I hope for peace in the world." [05:49]

4. Indefinite Timing: "Sometime"

"Sometime" is used to refer to an unspecified time, similar to "at some point," but is often used in more casual contexts.

Example:

• "Give me a call sometime." [06:06]

5. General Reference: "Somehow"

"Somehow" conveys an uncertain or unspecified method or manner.

Example:

• "Somehow, there has to be a way for us to finish this." [06:18]

6. Specific Individuals: "Someone"

While "something," "somewhere," and "someone" are often broad, "someone" can refer to a specific person in context.

Example:

• "She's someone special." [09:04]

This usage highlights a particular individual, making the reference more personal.

7. Emphatic and Slang Usage: "Some" as an Intensifier

One of the standout discussions revolves around using "some" for emphasis in informal or slang contexts. Michelle provides an example at [09:53]:

"She's some good singer."

Here, "some" intensifies the adjective, conveying enthusiasm beyond the standard use.

Additional Examples:

• "That was some argument they had." [10:49]
• "That's some kind of great grade." [10:36]

This usage adds personality and expressiveness to conversations, making them more engaging.

8. Conversational Integration: Role Play Demonstrations

To cement understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role play at [13:45], showcasing how "some" seamlessly integrates into natural dialogue. Phrases like:

• "Something to snack on during the movie." [13:54]
• "Somewhere warm this winter." [08:31]

demonstrate the fluidity and versatility of "some" in everyday conversations.

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Practical Applications and Takeaways

Towards the end of the episode, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of practicing these different usages to elevate one's English proficiency:

"Who knew that some could be so fun, right?" [16:58]

She encourages listeners to revisit and study the examples provided, integrating them into their vocabulary to express personality and nuance in their speech. Michelle concurs, highlighting the episode's interactive and enjoyable nature:

"Absolutely. All right, Lindsay, this was fun." [17:46]

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Conclusion

Episode 2387 of the All Ears English podcast effectively breaks down the multifaceted uses of the word "some," offering listeners a thorough exploration enriched with examples, role plays, and practical tips. By understanding these various contexts, ESL learners can enhance their conversational skills, making their English more natural and expressive.

Notable Quotes:

• Lindsay McMahon at [04:04]:

  "It's really more general. We don't have specifics. It means really at any point."

• Michelle Kaplan at [09:59]:

  "She's some good singer."

• Lindsay McMahon at [10:36]:

  "That is some kind of great grade."

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the All Ears English community by submitting their questions and practicing the examples provided to master the nuanced uses of "some."

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Additional Resources:

• All Ears English App: Access real-time transcripts and personalized vocabulary lists. Available on iOS and Android. allearsenglish.com
• Follow and Subscribe: Stay updated with the latest episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms.

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Transcript

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2387. Eight different ways to use some in English. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast. Downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts. Listen, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your 7 day free [e-mail].

[Michelle Kaplan]

Do you know how many different ways there are to use the word some in English? Find out. Today, McDonald's meets the Minecraft universe with one of six collectibles and your choice of a Big Mac or 10 piece McNuggets with spicy nether Flame sauce. Now available with a Minecraft movie meal.

[Lindsay McMahon]

At participating McDonald's for a limited time. A Minecraft movie only in theaters.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Hey, Lindsay, how are you?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Fantastic. Michelle, how's everything going in your world today?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Everything is good. Hey, Lindsay, at some point today, should we answer a listener question?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, I would say at some point we absolutely should. 100%.

[Michelle Kaplan]

How about now? How about now?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I love it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, Lindsay, today we have a really good listener question. I'm excited to get this to this episode. And this question comes to us on YouTube and it's from S on sale Abadi 1500. I'm sorry in advance if I messed up your name.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, I'm gonna go ahead and read the listener question. And again, yep, like you said, Michelle, this comes from YouTube. So guys, don't forget we are over on YouTube. These videos are. These are being being recorded as videos that you can actually watch. If. If you learn better through watching, go over there and hit subscribe. All right, so shall I read it? Michelle?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Go for it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, so they said, I like your energetic voices. Make my day every time. They make my day every time. Oh, that's so nice. Thank you. I was wondering if you could talk about the different uses of the word some and at some point.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Ooh, yeah, good question. Good question. So, interestingly enough, this was not answering this listener's question question, but you and Aubry did an episode about some words with some. And this was just kind of recently, I think Saturday, March 29 was somehow or other. This vocabulary is extremely tricky. So this is good because you can listen to that one and this one and get lots of examples with some somehow so, but we're gonna go through this listener question today and give you some other examples of how some is used.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, so some just seems to be coming up a lot these days. Interesting. Good stuff. So guys, the first thing to do right now before we get going is hit the follow button. Whether you're listening in Apple or Spotify or whatever podcast player you use to listen or if you're on YouTube, hit that subscribe button. All right, definitely. Good stuff. So it is a good question, Michelle. And as you said, this is kind of a part two a little bit, right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, yeah. So let's get to it. So at some point, so what when we say at some point, let's answer a listener question now, is the sum, is that meaning something specific or is it determined and set in stone?

[Lindsay McMahon]

It's really, it's really more general. We don't have specifics. It means really at any point. At some point. It just means it's more about. Yes, we're going to do that. Right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, exactly. It could be soon, it could be a little later. So for example, at some point she will probably need braces.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. So maybe you realize that your kids teeth are not straight and you're not saying next year or when, you're just saying at some point. Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Did you have braces, Lindsay?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I did have braces at kind of a young age when I was like, I think nine, ten.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Did you?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, I still have, I still have a lower retainer in my mouth.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. Very common in the US in American culture to get braces when you're a teenager or a kid. Yes.

[Michelle Kaplan]

It's kind of a rite of passage in some ways.

[Lindsay McMahon]

It really is. Yeah. We have another sample sentence here, Michelle.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay, I will give you, I will wait. Oh, I will probably give you a call at some point to ask about the housing market in your neighborhood.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. And this is kind of good because you prime people to, you're not nailing them down and saying, okay, I want to meet you next Wednesday at the coffee shop and I'm going to ask you questions. It's sort of feeling it out if are they're willing to talk about that or it's warning them kind of, hey, sometime in the next few months I'm gonna call you.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, right. Non committal. I like that. Yeah, it's just very non specific. And so it's, it's really good for, you know, not pressuring someone too much, not making them feel overwhelmed and also, you know, for yourself saying, okay, well we don't, we, we know what's going to happen. So. But it doesn't necessarily matter exactly when and exactly.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And this follows up with the other ideas. Similar ideas. Someday. Right. Sometime. And somehow we have examples for each of these. So, for example, for someday, I hope for peace in the world. Someday. We don't know when, but someday. Right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Or sometime. Give me a call sometime.

[Lindsay McMahon]

So nice.

[Michelle Kaplan]

At. At. At a point in time. I mean, that's the same idea. Right? Give me a call at some point. Right. But sometime is same idea.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yep. Or somehow, you know, somehow there has to be a way for us to finish this. And that's part of what Aubrey and I talked about, I believe. Right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. Yeah. And this one, it, as I was planning it, it made me laugh because, you know, Westside story at all.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I know the pl of that song. I. I won't sing it. But somehow. Someday. Yeah. Yeah. There's a place for us. Yeah. So that. That's what this episode made me think of.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right? I love it. Yeah. Reference to Broadway. Right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

I love y.

[Lindsay McMahon]

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[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, everywhere. So, yeah, Somewhere, which is. I think the name of that song in west side Story is so I want to go somewhere warm this winter. Right. So we know we want to go somewhere, but it's non committal as to where we just know that we want it to be warm.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. This is like the ideation stage of things. Right. We're kind of ideating on something.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And then someone. She's someone special. This is. Maybe you've been on a date and you realize this person might be special to you. She's someone special. Right. Or something.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right, right, right. I mean, this is kind of an interesting one. I realized someone is a little bit unique because you are talking about someone specific there. Right. So it can be someone. Yeah, I. I realized that about someone. But yeah. I don't know why that's the one that's a little bit different. Right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Well, yeah, yeah. That is interesting. Right. Because the others follow the pattern of being more broad, less specific. Like something. Do you want something to eat? I'm not saying, do you want carrots to eat? I'm saying, do you want something to eat?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right, right, right, right. Exactly. So unspecified. So let's go over. I wanted to go over one more fun way to use some. And this is to be emphatic. So this is a very slang type of way, a very unique way to use it. So.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Here, I'll do an example. She's some good singer.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. I love this. Very slangy. Very slangy. And intonation matters here, too. Right. So what are. What are you saying? So she's some good singer.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I'm basically saying she's a really good singer. Right. It's just being very emphatic. I'm very enthusiastic about it. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I've also heard. I feel like this is one of my. My dad's slangs. He used to say something like, that is some kind of great. That is some kind of great. Like your grades or something. Whatever you want, the tennis match, some kind of grade or. Or something. He would put something after that, Usually an adjective.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Some kind of funny. He's some kind of funny.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is just really. This is slangy, slangy stuff here. So.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, yeah, exactly. Or what's another. Another example of a sentence that was.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Some argument they had. I hope they're okay now. And we really need to punch the sum. That was some argument they had. So this is very different from what we've been talking about. Something, someone, somewhere. Right. Very different.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right. Or that was some expensive gift he got me. So it's like if you were to rearrange that or say it in a different way, you could say like, oh, the gift he got me was really expensive. Or.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Exactly.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That argument they had was really intense. Or she's A really good singer. Right. But this is just a different way to do it that Lindsay. I think it's pretty fairly common.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I think so too. Yeah, I think it emphasizes. It's a way to show your personality. Using some. We don't usually we just use some in a very broad, general, kind of boring way. But you can have some fun here. Right? Love it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Let's do a couple of conversation questions while we have time. Lindsay, where would you like to live someday?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Wow. Someday I would love to live. Maybe in some place warm, Michelle. I don't know, maybe New Zealand or Australia or something. It'd be very exotic.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

For me. Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, I think I would like to live. Yeah. Maybe a warmer city.

[Lindsay McMahon]

A warmer city. I know. Then I really feel like I could give up winter at this point. That's what my partner always says too. Like we could just maybe not have winter anymore.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I'm fine with that. But you and the skiing, you gotta have winter.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I know, but you know what? I don't think I love skiing enough to really not give up. I think I could give it up. I love to ski because I live here and that's what people do and I'm good at it and I. I'll do it. It's a good way to spend the day, get outdoors, but I could live without it. Okay.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay. Good to know. Good to know. Who is you keep in touch with from your childhood? So someone. So this is interesting though, because I am now I am using it in more of a non committal way. Right. It could be right like anyone. Right. And that's a whole other topic. But yeah, yeah, it can be kind of either. It's just interesting however you use it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Interesting? Well, yeah, I'm not really in touch with any teachers for some people will keep in touch with like their second grade teacher or middle school teacher. I'm not, but maybe my. My best friend from middle school and she was actually in my wedding, which is very cool. So. Yeah, I'd say that was someone. That's someone who has been special to me. Yeah. Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

That's very nice. Yeah, I keep on touch with. Actually, I just saw. I just. My phone is sitting over here and I just saw that I got a missed call from someone special from my childhood. One of my two best friends from childhood. So that's nice. Have to give her a call later. Yeah. Should we do a role play?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, let's do it. Michelle. So here we are about to see a movie together. Here we go. Okay.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Should we get something to snack on during the movie.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Sure. Popcorn.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, yeah, let's do it. This place has some good popcorn. It's the best movie theater popcorn I've ever had.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I can't wait to try it. Oh, remind me, I want to introduce you to someone. My friend Larry says his daughter knows you from law school.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, do you know her name?

[Lindsay McMahon]

He told me, but somehow I can't remember.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Okay, text it to me sometime when you remember. What's the actor in this movie's name?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Paul something. Oh, Paul Rudd.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, I love him. I have to tell you about this new book I read at some point also.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, nice. Yep. Some is coming in here, and that wouldn't be uncommon to see some entering the conversation. All these iterations.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right. It's just so common. It's. I mean, it's just like, everywhere. Yeah, it's everywhere. So. So I said, should we get something to snack on during the movie?

[Lindsay McMahon]

Perfect. All right. And then you said, yes, let's do it. Right. This place has some good popcorn. And this is this way of expressing our personalities, really emphasizing. It has great popcorn. It has some good popcorn. All right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, yeah. And then you said, oh, remind me. I want to introduce you to someone. So this is a specific person, so.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Interesting. Yeah, interesting. And then you said, do you know her name? And I said, he told me. Somehow I can't remember.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, yeah. And then I said, okay, text it to me sometime when you remember.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Good. And then you said, what's the actor's name in this movie? And I said, paul something. And this is a common way when we can't come up with someone's last name. Usually it's actually for people we know, Right. Mike something. Do you know him? He was at the party last week, but. So I guess you could use it for famous actors too, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Paul Rudd. Who? It's funny because we were talking about Clueless and that he's in Clueless.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I think he's that. What is that? People say that he's aging, like, incredibly well. Or was that him or someone else?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, they say he's, like, aging.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Reverse aging or something. Benjamin Button action going. Yeah, exactly.

[Michelle Kaplan]

He's Benjamin, but no. Oh, he's gorgeous. I have such a crush on him.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Just as good and now as he did in Clueless. I mean, that was 20 years ago.

[Michelle Kaplan]

He's adorable. Anyway, now you guys know one of my celebrities.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I have a crush on him, too. It's okay.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Adorable.

[Lindsay McMahon]

He's got great eyes, right?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Great eyes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, my gosh. We can't stop ourselves. Oh, boy.

[Lindsay McMahon]

That's funny. And then you said, love him. Everyone loves him. So I have to tell you about this new book I read at some point, and then you said, change the topic. Yeah, yeah. And. And here you're saying I'm going to tell you sometime. Maybe it'll be today. Maybe it'll be next time we hang out.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

We'll talk about the book.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah. Now I'm blushing.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Oh, Michelle.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, my God.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I won't tell Dan. Don't worry.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Yeah, don't tell him.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, so.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Well, this was a really fun question. Thank you so much to our listener for that question. And Lindsay, takeaways for today.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, I mean, who knew that some could be so fun, right? Who knew it? Love it. We love good questions, guys. So go ahead and send your good specific question to support allersenglish.com and I sp y if you're at the C1 or even C2 level or high B1, pay special. Pay special attention to the section where we talked about some. Where were you? Where? Is that some good singer, right? Or that was some argument they had. This is a really interesting way of showing your personality. Right back to that piece. Play it again. Study that piece. Because you may already know the other iterations of some, but up your level every time with these episodes, you want to find something that is challenging and up your level with that. Okay. Love it.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Absolutely. All right, Lindsay, this was fun.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, talk soon. Michelle, take care. Bye.

[Michelle Kaplan]

All right, bye.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Thanks for listening to all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com fluency score. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time. How do you make an airbnb a vrbo? Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbove.