What are Quantifiers?
Quantifiers are words or phrases that are used to indicate the quantity or amount of a noun or pronoun in a sentence. They provide information about whether the noun or pronoun is singular or plural, specific or general, and definite or indefinite.
Quantitatives: Types
Quantifiers can be categorized into three groups:
- Quantifiers used only with countable nouns
- Quantifiers used only with uncountable nouns
- Quantifiers used with both countable and uncountable nouns
Quantitatives: Group I
The following is a list of quantitatives that can only be used with countable nouns:
Many
'Many' is used to refer to a large number of a countable noun. It is commonly used in questions and in negative sentences. For example:
I don't have
Were there
Every and Each
'Each' and 'every' are determiners. They have similar meanings and are used with a singular countable noun.
Either, Neither and Both
We use 'both, either and neither' when we are talking about two people or things. As a determiner, 'either/neither' come before singular countable nouns, and 'both' comes before a plural countable noun. Pay attention to the examples:
Few, a Few
'Few' and 'a few' are quantitatives that mean 'some'. We use them with plural countable nouns. For example:
We stayed
Tip!
There is a subtle difference between 'few' and 'a few'. While 'a few' is a positive or neutral term that indicates a small but sufficient quantity or degree, 'few' is a negative term that indicates a low and insufficient quantity or degree.
Several
'Several' means 'more than one, but less than a lot'. It is normally not used in negative or interrogative structures, only in affirmative statements. For example:
I've read "Gone with the Wind"
suing "some" with countable nouns
Quantitatives: Group II
Some quantitatives can only be used with uncountable nouns:
Take a look at some examples:
I'd like to drink
Can I have
Much
'Much' is used before uncountable nouns to indicate a large amount or degree. It is mainly used in questions and negative sentences, and can sound formal in positive statements unless it is used after 'too' or 'so'.
I don't have
Do you have
You've used too
A Bit
'A bit (of)' can be used to refer to both abstract and concrete things. It is an informal alternative for 'some', 'a piece of', or 'pieces of'.
Do you need
Little, a Little
'(A) little' means 'some, but not a lot'.It is typically used before uncountable nouns. For example:
I still have
There is
Tip!
The difference between 'few' and 'a few' also applies to 'little' and 'a little'. While 'a little' is a positive or neutral term that indicates a small but sufficient amount, 'little' is a negative term that indicates a low and insufficient amount.
A Good/Great Deal
'A great deal of/a good deal of' are used particularly with abstract nouns. For example:
The trip cost us
I spent
Less
We use 'less' on its own with singular uncountable nouns. Take a look at an example:
Doctors recommend eating
Quantitatives: Group III
The following is a list of quantifiers that can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns:
Take a look at some examples:
Like
I eat
All
'All' as a determiner means 'the complete number or amount' of something. 'All' can be used before a countable or an uncountable noun. It can also be used before articles, possessives, demonstratives and numbers.
I'd given up
Someone has taken
Some, Any, and No
The quantifiers 'some', 'any', and 'no' are determiners. 'Some' is mostly used in affirmative clauses. 'Any' is common in negative clauses and questions, but when we expect the answer to be 'yes' we can use 'some'.
The determiner 'no' is always used in affirmative sentences. Do not use it in a negative sentence. Take a look at some examples:
We need
Have you got
There's
More
We can use 'more' with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. For example:
We need five
A Lot of, Lots of
'A lot of' and 'lots of' are used with plural countable nouns and with uncountable nouns in affirmatives, negatives, and questions. For example:
I've got
I don't have
Enough
'Enough' can be used before uncountable and plural countable nouns as a determiner. Look at some examples:
There aren't
There isn't
Most
We use the quantifier 'most' to talk about quantities. We can use it with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns as a determiner. For example:
She comes home late
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