something
something — adverb
1. used before an adjective, adverb, or the word 'like' to express that something i
used before an adjective, adverb, or the word 'like' to express that something is true or correct only to a limited or approximate degree
Elena's new flat is something larger than her old one near the station.
something + [comparative adjective] — for approximate comparison
The hotel was something like a castle, with tall towers and stone walls.
something like + [noun] — for approximation
The exam was something harder than the students had prepared for all term.
Repairing the old van cost something over two thousand dollars in total.
Devika is something of a local hero after rescuing the neighbour's child.
文法句型
something + [adjective/adverb]
something like + [noun/phrase]
something of + [a] + [noun]
something + over/under + [number]
用法筆記
This adverbial use of 'something' is most common in informal speech, especially with 'like' or 'of'. The pattern 'something of a + noun' is a fixed expression meaning 'to some extent; a kind of.' Using 'something' directly before an adjective (e.g. 'something awkward') sounds somewhat dated or literary.
something — pronoun
1. a word used to refer to a thing, action, feeling, or situation whose exact ident
a word used to refer to a thing, action, feeling, or situation whose exact identity you do not know, cannot remember, or choose not to name
Owen found something shiny under the sofa while he was cleaning the living room.
something + adjective (shiny) for an unknown item
There is something about the way Sari tells stories that makes everyone pay close attention.
there is something about + noun phrase (quality)
Kenji whispered something to Padma, and she smiled with relief at the news.
Mira found something in her coat pocket that she had forgotten about all winter.
- a thing
more explicit; used when you want to name the category rather than leave it vague
- nothing
the complete absence of any thing
文法句型
something + adjective (e.g. something important)
something + to-infinitive (e.g. something to eat)
something + that-clause (e.g. something that matters)
there is something + prepositional phrase (e.g. there is something in the box)
用法筆記
In true questions, 'anything' is more common (e.g., 'Did you find anything?'). Use 'something' when making an offer or polite request (e.g., 'Would you like something to drink?') or when you expect a yes answer. In negative sentences, use 'anything' (e.g., 'I did not find anything').
常見錯誤
2. a positive point or thing that you feel grateful for or that gives you comfort,
a positive point or thing that you feel grateful for or that gives you comfort, especially when you are going through a difficult or unpleasant situation
Being alive was something the Chen family felt thankful for after the flood.
be + something + to-infinitive (reason for gratitude)
Dr. Okafor told the team they had something worth celebrating from the project.
at least + have + something worth + gerund
The building was damaged, but it is something that no one was hurt.
After weeks of rain, the sunny morning was something that lifted everyone's mood.
- a comfort
focuses on emotional relief rather than general gratitude
- a bright spot
idiomatic; highlights a positive detail in a negative overall picture
- nothing
when there is no positive point to appreciate
文法句型
at least + there is + something
that is + something
it is something + that-clause
be + something + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often appears after expressions like 'at least', 'well', or 'still', and in the fixed phrase 'that's something' to mean 'that is a positive point worth acknowledging'. This sense is almost always used in positive contexts where the speaker is looking for a bright side.
常見錯誤
something — suffix
1. attached to a number that is a multiple of ten to indicate that a person's age f
attached to a number that is a multiple of ten to indicate that a person's age falls somewhere within that decade — for example, calling someone a 'thirtysomething' means they are between 30 and 39 years old.
The documentary follows a group of twentysomethings sharing a flat in Berlin.
suffix attached to 'twenty' for ages 20–29
A thirtysomething nurse from Hanoi decided to study public health in Australia.
hyphenated adjective before a noun
Fashion brands now create separate lines for fortysomething and fiftysomething customers.
Paloma's novel tells the story of a sixtysomething professor who travels to Japan to learn pottery.
文法句型
[number ending in 0] + something
用法筆記
Informal. Common in journalism, marketing, and everyday conversation. Attaches only to multiples of ten (20, 30, 40, 50, 60). Use with numbers higher than 60 is rare. The term gained popularity through the 1980s US TV drama 'thirtysomething'.