In my last two previous posts I gave an introduction into the difference between count and non-count nouns and discussed some exceptions to the rules regarding these types of nouns.  Today I am going to review what adjectives to use to express quantity based on whether a noun is count or non-count. Like articles (the, a, an), quantifiers are words that precede and modify nouns. Quantifiers tell about quantity: how much or how many there is of something.  Selecting the correct quantifier requires knowing whether a noun is count or non-count, or whether it is being used in a count or non-count sense.

Here are some common quantifiers:

Much or Many
“Much” and “many” are used in negative sentences and questions. Much is used with non-count nouns such as ‘money.’  Many is used with count nouns such as ‘dog(s).’

For example:

How much money do you have?  or  There isn’t much money left.

How many dogs are there in the kennel*? or There aren’t many dog left to be adopted.

A Lot Of or Lots Of
“A lot of” and “lots of” can be used with both count and non-count nouns.  A lot of and lots of are used in positive sentences.

For example:

There is a lot of money in my wallet. or There is lots of money in my wallet.

There are lots of dogs in this neighborhood. or There are a lot of dogs in this neighborhood.

(A) Little or (A) Few
“A little” and “a few” indicate a quantity or number. Use “a little” with non-count nouns and use “a few” with count nouns.

For example:

There is a little money left.

He has a few dogs.

Note: There is an important a difference between “a little” and “little” (used with non-count words) and between “a few” and “few” (used with count words).

A little vs. Little

If I say, “John has a little experience in coaching.”  This means that although John is not an expert he has some experience and that experience is probably enough.  But, if I say, “John has little experience in coaching.”  This means he does not have enough experience.

A few vs. Few

If I say, “Kerry owns a few books on English literature.”  This means, she has some books, not a lot of books, but probably enough.  But, if I say, “Kerry owns few books on English literature.” This means she does not have enough books and she will need more.

Here is a table of quantifiers which summarizes which types of nouns (count, non-count, or both) these adjectives can be used with.

I hope this review of count and non-count nouns has been helpful in general and that this last post has helped to expand your vocabulary of quantifiers and help you to use them correctly.

* kennel = a shelter for dogs or cats