Quantifiers used as pronouns
Definition
A quantifier pronoun is a quantity word used without a following noun because the people or things are already understood. Common examples include some, many, few, several, all, both, enough, none, and each.
Examples
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I made several sandwiches, but only a few remain.
A few stands for a few sandwiches.
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Some of the chairs are broken, but most are usable.
Most replaces the understood noun chairs.
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There is enough for everyone.
Enough stands alone for a sufficient amount of the understood item.
Quantifier as determiner vs. pronoun
Many visitors arrived early.
Many appears before the noun visitors.
Many arrived early.
Many stands alone and replaces the understood noun phrase.
A determiner quantifier modifies a following noun. A pronoun quantifier replaces the noun phrase.
Of is used before a determiner or pronoun
Use quantifier + of before the, a possessive, a demonstrative, or an object pronoun: some of the books, both of them, none of these.
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Both of them were ready.
Of links the quantifier to the object pronoun them.
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None of these are suitable.
The demonstrative these follows of.
Common mistakes
Many of visitors arrived early.
Many visitors arrived early.
Do not use of directly before a bare plural noun.
Both them were ready.
Both of them were ready.
Use of before an object pronoun.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses a quantifier as a pronoun?
Several stands alone for an understood group of people.Which phrase correctly uses of before a pronoun?
Use quantifier + of + object pronoun.Which sentence correctly uses a quantifier before a bare plural noun?
Use many + plural noun without of.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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