Express Quantity in English for Beginning Speakers

Express Quantity in English for Beginning Speakers There are many phrases used to express quantities and amounts in English. In general, much and many are the  standard quantifiers  used to express  large quantities. Which expression you use will often depend on whether the noun is countable or uncountable, and whether the sentence is negative or positive. While much and many are among the most common, the following expressions are often used in place of much and many, especially in positive sentences: A lot ofLots ofPlenty ofA great deal ofA large number of These expressions can are combined with of in the sense of most, many, or much. A lot of people enjoy listening to jazz. A great deal of time is spent understanding these issues. But note that much, most, and many do not take of. Most people enjoy listening to some type of music. Not: Most of  people... Much time is spent understanding math. Not: Much of time is spent ... Much Much is used with uncountable nouns: There is much interest in learning English around the world. How much money do you have? There isnt much butter left in the refrigerator. Much is used in negative sentences and questions, too: How much money do you have? There isnt much rice left. Note that much is rarely used in the positive form. English speakers generally use a lot of or lots of  with uncountable  nouns. We have a lot of time. Not: We have much time. There is a lot of wine in the bottle. Not: There is much wine in the bottle. Many Many is used with countable nouns: How many people came to the party? There arent many apples on the table. Note that many is used in the positive form, unlike much:   Andrew has a lot of friends / Andrew has many friends. A lot of my friends live in New York / Many of my friends live in New York. A Lot of / Lots of /  Plenty  Of A lot of and lots of can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. A lot of and lots of are used in positive sentences: There is a lot of water in that jar. Hes got lots of friends in London. Note that generally speaking, lots of sounds less formal than a lot of.   A Little / A Few A little and a few  indicate a quantity or number. Use a little with uncountable nouns: There is a little wine in that bottle.   There is a little sugar in my coffee. Use a few with countable nouns. He has a few friends in New York. We bought a few sandwiches on our way to the park. Little / Few Little and few indicate a limited quantity. Use little with uncountable nouns: I have little money to spend. She found little time for work. Use few with countable nouns: He has few students in his class.   Jack finds few reasons to stay. Some Use some in positive sentences when there is neither a lot nor a little. Some can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. We have some friends who work in Los Angeles.   Ive saved some money to spend on vacation this summer.   Any (Questions) Use any in questions to ask if someone has something. Any can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns: Do you have any friends in San Francisco? Is there any pasta left?   Note that when offering or requesting something use some instead of any  for polite questions. Would you like some shrimp? (offer) Would you lend me some money? (request) Any (Negative Sentences) Use any with countable and uncountable nouns in negative sentences to state that something doesnt exist. We wont have any time for shopping today. They didnt have any problems finding our house.   Enough Use enough  with countable and uncountable nouns to state that you are satisfied with the amount of something. She has enough time to visit her friends in Dallas. I think we have enough hamburgers for tomorrows grill.   Not Enough Use not enough when you are not satisfied with the amount of something. Im afraid theres not enough time to continue this conversation. There are not enough people working at the moment.   Each / Every Use each or every when referring to the individuals in a group. I think every person in this room would agree with me. Im sure each step of this process is important.   Large / Big / Vast / Huge Amount of Use these adjectives with amount of with uncountable and countable nouns to express large quantities. This form is often used to exaggerate just how much there is. There is a huge amount of work to be done to today. Tom has a vast amount of knowledge about the subject.   Tiny / Small / Minuscule Amount of   Use these similar adjectives with amount of to express very small quantities. This form is often used in exaggeration to express how little there is of something.   Peter has a small amount of patience, so dont joke around with him. There is a minuscule amount of time left to register. Hurry up!