Quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns

Countable nouns have a singular and a plural form:

Ex: Mountain/Mountains table/tables person/people

Uncountable nouns do not have a plural form:

Ex: Traffic scenery nightlife

1. Some - means an indefinite number/amount (we don’t know exactly

how much/many). We use it in positive sentences.
Ex: I’d like some information, please.
- We also use some in questions when we think the answer will be yes.
Ex: Did you buy some milk, like I asked you?
Would you like some more tea? (=offer).

2. A lot of – used to talk about a large quantity or number of things in

positive sentences.
- used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Ex: There are a lot of cakes on the table.
There are a lot of oranges in the fridge.

You’ve got a lot of time, so don’t rush.

There was a lot of traffic on the road.

3. Any – is used before countable or uncountable nouns in:

- Negative sentences:
Ex: There aren’t any Italian restaurants near here.

- Questions where the answer could be yes or no:

Ex: Are there any shops near here?
 4. No – means the same as not any:
Ex: There’s no food in the fridge. (=there isn’t any food…)

Remember!!!
We only use no with a positive verb. Ex: There are no tickets left.

5. A few and not many – used to talk about a small number of things.
- used ONLY with COUNTABLE nouns

A few – positive statements

Not many – negative statements
How many – in questions

Ex: There are a few people outside the cinema.

I haven’t got many books I want to read.
There aren’t many chocolates left in the box.
How many children have you got?

6. A little and not much – used to talk about a small quantity of smth.
- used ONLY with UNCOUNTABLE nouns

A little – positive statements

Not much – negative statements
How much – questions

Ex: There is a little water left in that bottle.

There’s not much milk left in the fridge.
She hasn’t got much money at the moment.
How much rice/coffee/milk/cheese would you like?
7. Too much and too many have a negative meaning. We use them to
mean “more than the right amount/number” :

Ex: I can’t work here. There’s too much noise.

There are too many people in the queue.

8. Not enough also has a negative meaning. We use it to mean “less

than the right amount/number” :

Ex: There isn’t enough time to go to the park today.

There aren’t enough chairs for everyone.