Quantifiers
Year 8 - 2nd Term
What is a quantifier?
Quantifiers are very important words because
they let us express the quantity of something.
There are a lot of quantifiers in English and, in
order for us to know which quantifier to use, we
need first to know if the noun is countable or
uncountable.
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 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.
Examples of uncountable nouns include "water," "advice," and "time."
Now, let’s take a look at
these quantifiers:
Many + Countable Nouns
The quantifier "many" is used with countable nouns to
express a large quantity.
It is generally used in negative sentences and
questions.
Example: "He doesn’t have many cups. "
Example: "Has he got many friends? "
(A) Few + Countable Nouns
The quantifier "(a) few" is used with countable nouns to
express a small quantity.
Example: "I have a few friends at school." (countable noun)
Example: "She is going to need a few days off." (countable
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? "
(A) Little + Uncountable Nouns
The quantifier "(a) little" is used with uncountable nouns to
express a small amount.
Example: "Would you like a little milk in your coffee?"
(uncountable noun)
Example: "I am late, I have just a little time to get there."
(uncountable noun)
Some quantifiers can be
used with both
countable and
uncountable nouns
A lot of /Lots of
The phrase "a lot of/ lots of" is used as a quantifier to indicate a
large quantity or number of something. It can be used with both
countable and uncountable nouns.
It is generally used in affirmative sentences.
Example: "There are a lot of people in the park."
Example: "I have a lot of money at the bank."
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)
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?"