English quantifiers

Quantifiers are one of those parts of English grammar that is most difficult for Spaniards. However, we assure you that after reading this article you will find it much easier to understand them. Shall we start?

What are quantifiers?

Quantifiers are words that are used to say how much of something there is. In other words, they provide an answer to the question “how many”.

We must always place them before nouns for sentences to make full grammatical sense. However, using one quantifier or another will depend on whether it is a countable or uncountable noun.

Some – Any

Some and any are used to express indeterminate quantities of a noun, since we do not know or do not want to specify an exact number. Both quantifiers are used to refer to “some“, but not excessive.

We use them for plural and uncountable countable nouns.

• Some: we use it in interrogatives and affirmations.
  • I have some apples.
  • Would you like some milk?
• Any: we use it in negative and interrogative sentences.
  • I haven’t received any letters.
  • Are there any changes?

Much – Many

We use both quantifiers to express a large quantity. We usually use them for negations and interrogatives. However, they can be used in affirmative sentences when there is a formal context.

• Much: we use it with uncountable nouns.
  • I don’t have much time.
  • How much money do you have?
• Many: we use it for plural countable nouns.
  • How many cats do you have?
  • There are not many tourists.

A lot – Lots of

Both quantifiers refer to the word “many” in affirmative sentences. They can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns, although lots of is more informal.

• A lot of:
  • I have a lot of books.
  • I have a lot of work.
• Lots of:
  • Lots of people came to my house.
  • I have lots of money.

Little – A little

These quantifiers are used to express a small quantity of something, as long as they are uncountable nouns:

• Little: used to express little quantity, indicating that it is not enough:
  • We have little time to prepare the exam.
• A little: used when a small amount, however small, is sufficient:
  • Do you have a little money?

No – None

We use no and none to indicate the absence of something. We can use these quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns. In the case of none, we can use it with a noun, as an answer to a question.

• No:
  • There are no pencils.
• None:
  • How many pens are there? None.

Few – A few

Both quantifiers are used to express little quantity, just like little and a little. However, they can only be used with countable nouns. Few reflects quantity negatively, while a few reflects quantity positively.

• Few:
  • There are few tourists in there.

• A few:
  • We stayed a few days in London visiting some friends.