Quantifiers: some, any, much, manyA1–B1
Some, any, much, many, a lot of, a few and a little say how much or how many without an exact number. Some goes in affirmative sentences, and any in negatives and questions: I have some milk but I don't have any eggs.
No information at the current level. This view starts at A1: choose A1 or a higher level.
No information at the current level. This view starts at A1: choose A1 or a higher level.
CheatsheetA1–B1
| Use | Plural countable noun | Uncountable noun |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | some apples / a lot of apples | some milk / a lot of milk |
| Negative | not any apples / not many apples | not any milk / not much milk |
| Question | any apples? / many apples? | any milk? / much milk? |
| How…? | How many apples? | How much milk? |
| A2Offer, request | Would you like some apples? | Can I have some milk? |
| A2A small number or amount | a few apples | a little milk |
| A2None: no + noun | no apples | no milk |
| B1Not enough | few apples | little milk |
| B1None: none of + noun | None of the apples | None of the milk |
OverviewA1
- Which nouns are countable: Countable and uncountable nouns.
Some and anyA1–B1
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| affirmative: some | There are some eggs in the fridge. |
| negative: any | We don't have any bread. |
| question: any | Is there any sugar? |
| A2offer: some | Would you like some tea? |
| A2request: some | Can I have some water? |
| B1any = it doesn't matter which | Take any seat. |
A2
- somebody, anything… follow the same rules: Indefinite pronouns.
Much, many, a lot ofA1–A2
| Quantifier | With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| many | plural countable | There aren't many shops here. |
| much | uncountable | I don't have much time. |
| a lot of / lots of | both | She has a lot of friends. |
- Affirmative sentences take a lot of: I have a lot of friends.
- lots of means a lot of; it is informal.
- How many + plural noun; How much + uncountable noun.
- How much also asks the price: How much is this jacket?
- A2many also works in affirmative sentences; affirmative much is formal. Many people work from home.
A few, a little, few, littleA2–B1
| Quantifier | Example |
|---|---|
| a few + plural noun | I have a few friends here. |
| a little + uncountable noun | There's a little milk left. |
| B1few + plural noun | Few people came. |
| B1little + uncountable noun | We have little time. |
B1
- a few / a little = some, a small number or amount. few / little = not many, not much: not enough.
No and noneA2–B1
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| no + noun | There's no milk. |
| B1none (no noun after it) | How many eggs are there? — None. |
| B1none of + the / my… + noun | None of my friends came. |
- no + noun = not any + noun: There's no milk = There isn't any milk.
- no and none take an affirmative verb: There is no milk.
Typical errorsA1
| ✗ | ✓ | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| There isn't some milk. | There isn't any milk. | negative → any |