Quantifiers
A2 ElementaryQuantifiers are words used before nouns to describe an approximate amount or number. They help you distinguish between large and small quantities for both countable and uncountable things.
Overview
Quantifiers tell us 'how much' or 'how many'. We choose the quantifier based on whether the noun is countable (like books or apples) or uncountable (like water or time).
- Much and many are common in questions and negative sentences.
- A lot of is used in positive sentences for both types of nouns.
- A few and a little describe small amounts.
Countable vs. Uncountable
Use many and a few with plural nouns. Use much and a little with singular uncountable nouns.
| Quantifier | Noun Type | Sentence Type |
|---|---|---|
| Many | Countable | Negative / Question |
| Much | Uncountable | Negative / Question |
| A lot of | Both | Positive |
| A few | Countable | Positive |
| A little | Uncountable | Positive |
Examples
Common mistakes
I have much friends.
I have a lot of friends.
In positive sentences, 'a lot of' is more natural than 'much' or 'many'.
There is a few milk in the fridge.
There is a little milk in the fridge.
Milk is uncountable, so use 'a little' instead of 'a few'.
Practice
Do you have ____ (many/much) luggage?
Show answer
much
Answer:much
Why:Luggage is an uncountable noun, so 'much' is the correct choice for a question.
I have ____ (a few/a little) minutes before the meeting starts.
Show answer
a few
Answer:a few
Why:Minutes are countable plural nouns, so 'a few' is used to show a small number.
There aren't ____ (many/much) people at the park today.
Show answer
many
Answer:many
Why:People is a countable plural noun, and 'many' is used in negative sentences for countable items.