We use quantifiers such as containers, measure words and portions to count uncountable nouns.
We use quantity words such as: much, many, a lot of, a little, a few, some, any, no to help you have an idea of the amount of uncountable and countable nouns.
As you can see, when we want to give information about the number of something or how much/how many we want, we usually use quantifiers. In the previous comic you can see the following quantifiers how much, any, some, a little, a lot. Do you know how to use them? Let’s see how to use them in English.
We use SOME with countable and uncountable nouns in affirmative sentences.
We use ANY with countable and uncountable nouns in negative sentences and questions.
Much, Many and A lot are used to express a large quantity of something.
Much and Many are used in negative sentences and questions. They are not common in affirmative sentences, but it’s possible.
Much is used with uncountable nouns.
There isn’t much orange juice in the jug.
Many is used with countable nouns.
There aren’t many sandwiches.
Is there much ice cream in the freezer?
Are there many avocados in the bag?
A lot of is used in affirmative sentences and with countable and uncountable nouns and it is to express a large quantity.
There are a lot of bottles of water.
There is a lot of salt.
A few and a little express a small quantity.
A FEW = A small quantity; some but not many; enough.
A FEW + Plural Countable Nouns
There are a few bananas on the table.
A LITTLE = A small quantity; it means ‘some but not much’; enough.
A LITTLE + Uncountable nouns.
There is a little water in the glass.
No is another way to express zero quantity. We use no + countable/uncountable nouns. We use no in affirmative sentences but it means a negative idea.
There is no milk in the bottle.
So, it is not correct to say:
There isn’t no milk in the glass.
There are no cookies in the bag.
We use how many + plural nouns and how much + uncountable nouns to ask about quantity.
How much
How much coffee do you drink every day?
You can answer A lot / Not much / None.
How much coffee do you drink every day? Not much
How many
How many cups of coffee do you drink a week?
You can answer A lot / Not many / None.
How many cups of coffee do you drink a week? Not many
How much is…?
We can also say How much is it? to ask about the price of an ítem.
Excuse me. How much is a bottle of water?
Read the following conversations and complete them with the correct quantifier.
Conversation 1. Use any, much, some or a lot.
Conversation 2. Use a few, many, some or a little.
You and your friends are planning a party to celebrate the end of the semester. Read the text and choose the correct words to complete the ideas.
