Quantifiers for     Countable & Uncountable Nouns

Quantifiers used to describe ONLY countable nouns:

1. few ... a small quantity
   
   e.g., I invited a few friends for my birthday party.
   
   
2. many ... a large quantity
   
   e.g., There were many oranges scattered on the road.
   
   

Quantifiers used to describe ONLY uncountable nouns:
	little ... a small amount e.g., Add a little milk to the soup. much ... a large amount e.g., I have so much homework to do by Monday.
There is a difference between little and a little, and between few and a few. Without the articles, little and few usually have negative meanings ... suggesting "not as much/many as expected". e.g., I have few friends. (not many) Compare: I have a few friends. (not many, but some)
Other quantifiers that are used with BOTH countable and uncountable nouns are: some ... a quantity or amount that is not stated There are some biscuits left in the tin. She added some milk into her coffee. a lot of ... a large quantity or amount There were a lot of oranges scattered on the road. I have a lot of homework to do by Monday. more ... used when comparing quantities or amounts More people were retrenched this year than last year. After the rain, there is more water in the reservoirs. most ... used when there is a larger quantity or amount of something Most of the buildings along this road are old and in very bad condition. This restaurant gives you the most food for your money. any ... used in questions or negative statements Is there any biscuits left for me? I'm sorry that there isn't any food left for you. Quantifiers Quiz Main Index | Nouns Index | LESOL © Virtual Teacher Aide