Quantifiers: Much, Many, Few, Little and More

Quantifiers tell us how much or how many. The right choice depends on whether the noun is countable (books, students) or uncountable (water, information).

Much / many

• Many + plural countable nouns: many books, many people.
• Much + uncountable nouns: much water, much time.
• In positive sentences, a lot of / lots of sound more natural with both: a lot of books, a lot of water.

Few / a few, little / a little

• A few (countable) and a little (uncountable) are positive — some, enough.
• Few and little without "a" are negative — almost none, not enough.

The few / the little

"The" means all of the small number/amount that exists.

Some / any

• Some in positive sentences, and in offers and requests: I bought some apples. Would you like some tea?
• Any in negatives and most questions: I don't have any money. Do you have any questions?
• Any in a positive sentence means "it doesn't matter which": Take any book you like.

Each / every

Both take a singular noun and verb. Each looks at members one by one (also with two); every looks at the group as a whole (three or more).

Enough

Before a noun, after an adjective.

Fewer / less

Fewer + countable plural; less + uncountable.