Quantifiers

Quantifiers

Quantifiers

Quantifiers are very important words because they let us express the quantity of something.

A quantifier is a word that usually goes before a noun to express the quantity of the object; for example, a little milk. Most quantifiers are followed by a noun, though it is also possible to use them without the noun when it is clear what we are referring to. 

There are quantifiers to describe large quantities (a lot, much, many), small quantities (a little, a bit, a few) and undefined quantities (some, any). There are also quantifiers that express the idea of a sufficient amount (enough, plenty).

There are some quantifiers that have a similar meaning but differ because one is used with countable nouns and the other is used with uncountable nouns. Countable nouns are things that we can count; for example, a table, two chairs. Uncountable nouns are things that we cannot count and only have a singular form; for example, some furniture, some fruit.

Much, Many, A lot (of)

We use many, much, a lot (of) to refer to big quantities. We use ‘many’ with countable nouns and ‘much’ with uncountable nouns, and we can use ‘a lot (of)’ with both countable and uncountable nouns. In modern English it is very common to use ‘a lot (of)’ in affirmative sentences instead of ‘many’ and ‘much’.

Examples:

• There are many things to do today.

• We have a lot of time left, don’t worry.

• Many people take the train to work.

• She plays a lot of sport.

When we want to emphasize a really big quantity we can add ‘so’ in front of ‘many’ and ‘much’. For example:

• There were so many passengers on the train, it was difficult to get off.

• She had so much work to do, she stayed at the office until midnight.  

A Few, A Little, A Bit (of)

• We need a few coins for the car park.

• Would you like a little milk in your coffee?

• The engine needs a little oil.

Some, Any

When we want to refer to a plural noun or an uncountable noun, without giving a specific quantity, we use ‘some’ and ‘any’. We use ‘some’ in affirmatives and ‘any’ in questions and negatives.

Examples:

• We have some free time later this afternoon.

• She doesn’t want any coffee.

• Do they need any bread?

• I went to some meetings in Rome last week.

• Will there be any managers at the party?

Enough, Plenty (of)

The words ‘enough’ and ‘plenty’ express the idea of being a sufficient quantity. Both words can go with countable and uncountable nouns. We use ‘plenty (of)’ to mean there is more than a sufficient quantity of something.

Examples:

• I need more plates. – No, we don’t. There are plenty!

• Slow down. We’ve got plenty of time to get to the station.

We use ‘enough’ to express the idea of having, or not having, a sufficient quantity. For example:

• I think we have enough vegetables so I won’t buy any more.

• But we don’t have enough fruit. Let’s get some more.

When we want to ask the quantity of something, we use ‘how much’ or ‘how many:

• How many times have you visited Rome?

• How many people were at the meeting?

• How many chairs do we need?

• How much do these melons cost?

• How much bread does he eat?

With Uncountable Nouns

• much

• a little/little/very little 

• a bit (of)

• a great deal of

• a large amount of

• a large quantity of

With Countable Nouns

• many

• a few/few/very few

• a number (of)

• several

• a large number of

• a great number of