Expressing Quantity
Much / Many
'Much' and 'Many' are used in negative sentences and questions. 'Much' is used with uncountable nouns such as 'rice':
Examples
How much money have you got?
There isn't much rice left.
'Many' is used for countable nouns such as 'apples':
Examples
How many people came to the party?
There aren't many apples on the table.
A Lot Of / Lots Of
'A lot of' and 'lots of' can be used with both count and uncountable nouns. 'A lot of' and 'lots of' are used in positive sentences:
Examples
There is a lot of water in that jar.
He's got lots of friends in London.
(A) Little / (A) Few
'A little' and 'a few' indicate a quantity or number. Use 'a little' with uncountable nouns:
Examples
There is a little wine in that bottle.
There is a little sugar in my coffee.
Use 'a few' with countable nouns.
Examples
He has a few friends in New York.
We bought a few sandwiches on our way to the park.
'Little' and 'few' indicate a limited quantity. Use 'little' with uncountable nouns:
Examples
I have little money to spend.
She found little time for work.
Examples
Use 'few' with countable nouns:
Examples
He has few students in his class.
Jack finds few reasons to stay.
Test your knowledge with this 20 question quiz on expressing quantity.
