Quantifiers: What they are and how they are used

Quantifiers in English are words or phrases that tell us about the amount or quantity of something. They answer the questions: “How much?” or “How many?”. Here is a breakdown of what they are and how we use them.

Countable nouns

Countable nouns are things you can count and have a singular and a plural form. Think of it this way: if you can put a number in front of it, it’s likely a countable noun. (e.g., books, apples, chairs).

• A few: Used for small quantities.
  • Example: “I have a few friends coming over.”
• Few: Used for small quantities, but with a more negative connotation, implying not enough.
  • Example: “I have few friends, which makes me sad.”
• Many: Used for large quantities.
  • Example: “There are many books on the shelf.”
• Numerous: Used for a large number of things.
  • Example: “There were numerous reasons for his decision.”
• Several: Used for a number of things, usually more than a few but less than many.
  • Example: “I have visited several countries.”

Uncountable nouns

Uncountable nouns are things you can’t count. They don’t usually have a plural form. Consider it from this perspective: you can’t put a number in front of them. You wouldn’t say “one water” or “two advices.” (e.g., water, time, money).

• A great deal of: Used for large quantities.
  • Example: “She has a great deal of knowledge about art.”
• A large amount of: Used for large quantities.
  • Example: “They spent a large amount of money on their vacation.”
• A little: Used for small quantities.
  • Example: “I have a little money left.”
• Little: Used for small quantities, but with a more negative connotation, implying not enough.
  • Example: “I have little hope of success.”
• Much: Used for large quantities.
  • Example: “I don’t have much time.”

Both countable and uncountable nouns

• All: Used to refer to the whole quantity.
  • Example: “All the students passed the test.” (countable)
  • Example: “I drank all the coffee.” (uncountable)
• A lot of/lots of: Used for large quantities in informal contexts.
  • Example: “There are a lot of people here.” (countable)
  • Example: “I have lots of work to do.” (uncountable)
• Any: Used in questions and negative statements.
  • Example: “Do you have any children?” (countable)
  • Example: “Is there any milk left?” (uncountable)
• Enough: Used to indicate a sufficient quantity.
  • Example: “I have enough books to read.” (countable)
  • Example: “I have enough time to finish the project.” (uncountable)
• No: Used to indicate the absence of something.
  • Example: “There are no chairs in this room.” (countable)
  • Example: “There is no sugar in the jar.” (uncountable)
• Plenty of: Used to indicate more than enough.
  • Example: “There are plenty of cookies for everyone.” (countable)
  • Example: “We have plenty of time to get there.” (uncountable)
• Some: Used for an unspecified quantity.
  • Example: “I have some apples.” (countable)
  • Example: “I need some water.” (uncountable)

Important Notes:

• “A” vs. “few/little”: “A few” and “a little” have a positive connotation, while “few” and “little” have a negative connotation.
• “A lot of” vs. “lots of”: “Lots of” is more informal than “a lot of,” but they can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
• “Many” vs. “much”: “Many” is used with countable nouns, while “much” is used with uncountable nouns.

Advertisement