Quantifiers
Definition
Quantifiers express how much or how many of something is meant. Their form depends on whether the following noun is countable or uncountable and whether the amount is large, small, exact or indefinite.
Examples
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There are many reasons to stay.
Many is used with a plural countable noun.
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We do not have much time.
Much is used with an uncountable noun.
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A few people arrived early.
A few means a small but positive number.
Few/little vs. a few/a little
Few seats were available.
The amount is presented as smaller than needed or expected.
A few seats were available.
A small but useful amount existed.
Without a, few and little often carry a negative meaning. With a, they present the small amount more positively.
Some quantifiers work with both noun types
Words such as some, any, a lot of, enough and no can be used with both plural countable and uncountable nouns.
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We bought some apples and some rice.
Some works with both a plural countable noun and an uncountable noun.
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There is enough space for everyone.
Enough means the required amount.
Common mistakes
There are much students here.
There are many students here.
Use many with plural countable nouns.
We have a few information.
We have a little information.
Use a little with an uncountable noun.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which quantifier correctly completes the sentence: There are ___ chairs?
Chairs is plural and countable, so many is correct.Which sentence means that a small useful amount of time remains?
Time is uncountable, and a little presents the small amount positively.Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Food is uncountable, so singular there is and enough food are correct.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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