Use something and to plus a verb for an unspecified thing connected with an action.
I’d like something to eat.
We need something to drink.
Keep with when you are asking for a writing tool
I need→something→to write→with.
You write with a pen or pencil. Something to write with asks for a tool, so the final with is part of the meaning, even though something comes earlier in the sentence.
I’d like something to eat.Something to eat names an unspecified thing connected with the action.
A place for an action
Use somewhere and to plus a verb for a suitable place.
We need somewhere to sit.
Is there somewhere to park?
Questions and negatives
Anything and anywhere are common in neutral checks and negatives. Keep the action after to.
Have you got anything to read?
There isn’t anywhere to wait inside.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: I’m hungry. I need something ___ eat.
Compare a model and explanation
to
Use to plus verb.
2. Choose thing or place: somewhere to sleep.
Compare a model and explanation
Place.
Somewhere refers to a place.
3. Complete: Have you got ___ to drink? A neutral check.
Compare a model and explanation
anything
Anything is natural in a neutral availability check.
4. Correct: I need somewhere sit.
Compare a model and explanation
I need somewhere to sit.
Add to.
5. Correct: I need something to writing with.
Compare a model and explanation
I need something to write with.
Use write after to.
6. Make negative: There is somewhere to park.
Compare a model and explanation
There isn’t anywhere to park.
Use anywhere with the negative.
7. Ask for a quiet place to work.
Compare a model and explanation
I need somewhere quiet to work.
Quiet can describe the place.
8. Write a request for one unspecified thing and one place.
Compare a model and explanation
I need something to eat and somewhere to sit.
Keep thing and place distinct.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: Have we got anything to drink?
B: Yes, there’s some water. We need somewhere to sit.
A: There’s a bench near the shop.
B: Good. Let’s find something to eat too.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
We need somewhere to sit.Somewhere to sit names an unspecified place connected with the action.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Say two unspecified things you need.
Reveal a possible response
I need something to eat and something to read.
Success check: Use something to plus a verb.
Speaking 2
Ask about two places.
Reveal a possible response
Is there somewhere to sit? Is there anywhere to park?
Success check: Use place expressions.
Put it all together
Imagine arriving at a station. Ask for food, a drink and a place to wait.
Reveal a possible response
I’d like something to eat. Have you got anything to drink? Is there somewhere warm to wait?
Success check: Keep the requests practical and clear.
Take it with you
I can ask for a thing or place connected with an action.
