Quantifiers

Quantifiers are words that tell us how much or how many of something there is. They go before nouns.

What You'll Learn

At this level, you will learn:

• How to pick the right word for "how many" (countable) and "how much" (uncountable)
• How to use many, few, a few, much, little, a little, and some

When to Use

1. To talk about a big number of things: "There are many books on the shelf."
2. To talk about a small number of things: "I have a few sweets left."
3. To talk about a small amount of something you cannot count: "There is a little milk in the cup."

How to Form

Which word do I use?

Key Rules

1. Many, few, a few go with things you can count: "many cats", "a few apples". You can say "one cat, two cats" -- so use these words.
2. Much, little, a little go with things you cannot count: "much water", "a little sugar". You cannot say "one water, two waters" -- so use these words.
3. Some is a friendly word -- it goes with both! "Some toys" (countable) and "some milk" (uncountable).

Common Mistakes

Clue Words

Things you can count (use many, few, a few)

apples, books, cats, dogs, eggs, friends, pencils, sweets, toys

Things you cannot count (use much, little, a little)

water, milk, rice, bread, sugar, money, time, food

Tip: Try to say "one ***, two ***s". If it sounds right, you can count it! Use many, few, or a few. If it sounds wrong, use much, little, or a little.

Practice Tips

1. The counting trick: Point at the thing and try to count it. "One apple, two apples" -- yes! Use many or a few. "One water, two waters" -- no! Use much or a little.
2. Use "some" when not sure: If you are not sure whether to use many or much, try some. It works with both!

Quick Reference