Expressions of quantity

Count and Noncount Nouns: Basic Rules

Adjectives with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

The Basic Rules: Count and Noncount Nouns

A count noun is one that can be expressed in plural form, usually with an "s." For example, "cat—cats," "season—seasons," "student—students."

A noncount noun is one that usually cannot be expressed in a plural form. For example, "milk," "water," "air," "money," "food." Usually, you can't say, "He had many moneys."

Much/Many: 

Much modifies only uncountable nouns. 

Many modifies only countable nouns.

• "We don't have much time to get this done."
• "Many Americans travel to Europe."

Little/Few: Little modifies only uncountable nouns.

• "He had little food in the house."
• "The doctor had little time to think in the emergency room."

Few modifies only countable nouns.

• "There are few doctors in town."
• "Few students like exams."

Enough: Enough modifies both countable and uncountable nouns.

• "There is enough money to buy a car."
• "I have enough books to read."

A lot of vs. Lots of

A lot of and lots of are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used withcountable or uncountable nouns.

• There are a lot of dogs in the street. (Countable noun)
• I have a lot of time to answer your questions. (Uncountable noun)
• I saw a lot of people waiting in the queue. (Countable)
• We did have a lot of fun, didn't we? (Uncountable)

We use lots of in positive and negative sentences, however it is more informal. It can be used with countable or uncountable nouns, and occasionally in questions.

• We have lots of time to catch the plane, let's relax. (Uncountable noun)
• There are lots of people in the queue today. (Countable)
• Oh my, you have spent lots of money on clothes! (Uncountable)
• I have lots of questions. (Countable)

She has a lot of money = She has lots of money

Click here to see a video about expressions of  quantity 

Exercise 1: Much - Many - A lot of - Few 

Exercise 2: FEW - LITTLE - SOME - ANY - A/AN - MANY - MUCH

Exercise 3: Fewer & Less