expressions of quantity

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

What are some other words for describing QUANTITY?

expressions of quantity 

some, any, (too) much, (too) many, (a) few, (a) little, enough, plenty of, a lot of, lots of, none, all, each, every, both, either, neither

Super speedy explanation of some quantifier rules

Some and Any (1/2)

1. Some is used in positive sentences.

I’d like some sugar

I bought some eggs

 

2. Any is used in negative sentences and questions.

There isn’t any butter in the fridge

I didn’t buy any apples.

Is there any sugar in this tea?

Have you got any brothers and sisters?

Some and Any (2/2)

3. We use some in questions that are requests or offers.

Can I have some cake?

Would you like some tea?

4. The rules are the same for the compounds someone, anything, anybody, somewhere, etc.

I’ve got something for you.

Hello! Is anybody here?

There isn’t anywhere to go in my town.

Much and Many

1. We use much with uncountable nouns in questions and negatives.

• How much money have you got?
  
• There isn’t much cheese left.
  

 

2. We use many with countable nouns in questions and negatives.

• How many people were at the party?
  
• I didn’t take many photos on holiday.
  

 

(a) few and (a) little

1. We use a few with countable nouns

There are a few cigarettes left, but not many.

 

2. We use a little with uncountable nouns

Can you give me a little help?

Choosing the right quantifier

• Type of sentence: positive, negative, or question

• Type of noun: countable or uncountable

•  Attitude: is the cup half empty or half full?

Positive attitude

A few (for countable nouns) and a little (for uncountable nouns) describe the quantity in a positive way, implying that although the speaker may not have much, he has enough.

Examples

I've got a few friends. = I have enough friends.

I have a few flowers in my garden. = I have enough flowers.

I've got a little money. = I have enough money.

I have a little free time on Thursdays. = I have enough free time.

Negative attitude

Few (for countable nouns) and little (for uncountable nouns) describe the quantity in a negative way. They may actually indicate a total lack of the noun, but are being politely indirect.

Examples

Few people visited him in hospital. = he had almost no visitors, or perhaps no visitors at all.

I've seen few birds around here. = there are almost no birds, or perhaps not a single bird

He had little money for treats. = almost no money, or perhaps no money at all

I have little time for TV. = almost no time, or perhaps no time at all

Quiz Time!

Didn't quite catch all that? That's ok! 

After this quiz you can find further explanation and practice in Macmillan Units 32-33. (Plus Unit 31 from last week.)

She always takes .... sugar with her coffee.

1. any
2. many
3. much
4. some

Do you have .... apples?

1. any
2. every
3. much
4. some

Can I have .... water, please?

1. any
2. many
3. much
4. some

There isn't .... in the fridge!

1. something
2. anything

I heard .... coming down the stairs, but I couldn't see who it was.

1. anyone
2. someone

No, there isn't ..... milk in the bottle.

1. each
2. many
3. much
4. some

Jimmy hasn't got ..... money in his wallet.

1. each
2. every
3. many
4. much

We have _____________ time left. Let's try to get finished quickly.

1. a little
2. little
3. a few
4. few

I have got very _____________ friends, so I'm alone most of the time.

1. few
2. a few
3. little
4. a little

What you need is _____________ more self-confidence.

1. few
2. a few
3. little
4. a little

We stayed in New York for _____________ days before moving on to the Midwest.

1. few
2. a few
3. little
4. a little

I have drunk _____________ water today, so I guess that's why I'm so thirsty.

1. few
2. a few
3. little
4. a little

Need extra practice?

Check out these websites:

https://agendaweb.org/grammar/quantifiers-quantity-exercises.html 

https://first-english.org/english_learning/english_beginners/expressions_of_quantities/a_much_many_expressions_of_quantity.htm

https://first-english.org/english_learning/english_beginners/expressions_of_quantities/00_expression_quantities_grammar_rules.htm