I.some [Brit sʌm, s(ə)m, Am səm] DET ADJ When some is used as an adjective to mean an unspecified amount of something, it is translated by du, de l' before vowel or mute h, de la or des according to the gender and number of the noun that follows: I'd like some bread = je voudrais du pain; have some water = prenez de l'eau; we've bought some beer = nous avons acheté de la bière; they've bought some peaches = ils ont acheté des pêches.
But note that where some is followed by an adjective preceding a plural noun, de alone is used in all cases: some pretty dresses = de jolies robes.
For particular usages see I. below.
When some is used as a pronoun it is translated by en which is placed before the verb in French: would you like some? = est-ce que vous en voulez?; I've got some = j'en ai.
For particular usages see II. below.
1. some (an unspecified amount or number):
2. some (certain: in contrast to others):
3. some (a considerable amount or number):
4. some (a little, a slight):
5. some (an unspecified, unknown) pej:
6. some (a remarkable) inf:
7. some (not much) inf:
II.some [Brit sʌm, s(ə)m, Am səm] PRON
1. some (an unspecified amount or number):
2. some (certain ones: in contrast to others):
III.some [Brit sʌm, s(ə)m, Am səm] ADV
1. some (approximately):
2. some Am (somewhat , a lot):
- some inf