Quantifiers

(Eating Right)

By Teacher Hanis
Introduction
Nouns are the foundation of any language, and understanding how to
properly use and differentiate between countable and uncountable nouns is
crucial for effective communication. In this presentation, we will learn the
key characteristics of countable and uncountable nouns, and how to use
them correctly in sentences. We will discover the various quantifiers that
accompany these nouns to express quantity. Whether you are a beginner
learning the basics of English grammar or an advanced learner looking to
fine-tune your language skills, this presentation will provide you with the
necessary tools to understand the world of countable and uncountable
nouns.
Countable Nouns
• Countable nouns are nouns that we can count.
• Countable nouns can have singular and plural forms.
• They refer to objects, people, or things that can be individually identified and
quantified.
• Countable nouns can be preceded by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" to refer to
a single item.
• They can also be used with numbers and quantifiers to indicate specific
quantities.
• Examples of countable nouns include "book," "chair," and "dog."
 Uncountable Nouns
• Uncountable nouns are nouns that we can’t count.
• Countable nouns can have only a singular form. They do not have a plural form
and can’t be proceeded by “a” or “an”
• They refer to substances, concepts, or qualities that are considered to be a whole
or mass.
• They are typically used with quantifiers like "much" or "some" to express
quantity.
• Examples of uncountable nouns include "water," "advice," and "time."
 Singular Countable Nouns + a/ an
Singular countable nouns can be preceded by the indefinite articles "a" or
"an" to refer to a single item or person. The choice between "a" and "an"
depends on the sound that follows the article.

“A" is used before countable nouns that begin with a consonant sound.

Example: "I saw a dog in the park."

"An" is used before countable nouns that begin with a vowel sound.

Example: "She is an actress in the movie."

Some (affirmative sentences)
Some can be used with countable or uncountable nouns in
affirmative sentences to express an unspecified quantity or non-
specific amount.

Example: "I have some books on the shelf." (countable noun)

Example: "She bought some milk from the store." (uncountable

noun)
Any (negative and questions)
Any can be used with both countable or uncountable nouns in
negative or interrogative sentences to indicate an indefinite or non-
specific quantity.

Example: "I don't have any books to lend." (negative + countable

noun)

Example: "Is there any coffee left?" (interrogative + uncountable

noun)
Much + Uncountable Nouns

The quantifier "much" is used with uncountable nouns to express a

large quantity or degree.

It is generally used in negative sentences and questions.

Example: "There isn’t much water in the bottle. "

Example: "Does she wear much makeup? "

Many + Countable Nouns

The quantifier "many" is used with countable nouns to

express a large quantity or degree.

It is generally used in negative sentences and questions.

Example: "He doesn’t have many cups. "

Example: "Has he got many apples? "

 How much or how many?
"How much" and "how many" are both question words used to
inquire about the quantity or amount of something.

"How much" is used with uncountable nouns:

Example: "How much money do you have?"

"How many" is used with countable nouns:

Example: "How many books are on the shelf?"
 Summing Up
• Countable nouns can be counted and have a singular and plural form.
• Uncountable nouns cannot be counted and do not have a plural form.
• Use "a/an" with singular countable nouns to refer to a single item.
• Use "some" in affirmative sentences with countable nouns.
• Use "any" in negative and interrogative sentences with countable and uncountable
nouns.
• Use "much" with uncountable nouns to express a large quantity.
• Use "many" in questions and negative sentences with uncountable nouns.
• Ask questions using "how much" with uncountable nouns and "how many" with
countable nouns.
Thanks!