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Much, many, a lot of, a few, a little
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 13 of 25
You know countable and uncountable nouns from A1. Now you learn which quantity words go with each type, so you can talk about amounts correctly.
The rule
| Countable (books, apples) | Uncountable (water, money) | |
|---|---|---|
| big amount | many books / a lot of books | much water / a lot of water |
| small amount | a few books | a little water |
| question | How many books? | How much water? |
Much, many, a lot of
A lot of (or lots of) works with both types and is the most natural choice in positive sentences. Much and many are common in negatives and questions.
There are a lot of people in the park.
Tom drinks a lot of coffee.
We haven’t got much time.
There aren’t many shops in my village.
How many brothers have you got?
How much money do you need?
A few and a little
A few (countable) and a little (uncountable) mean some, but not many / not much. The meaning is positive: it is enough. Without a, few and little mean almost none, but that is a point for later levels.
I’ve got a few friends in London.
Can I have a little sugar in my tea, please?
Anna speaks a little French.
We waited for a few minutes.
Common mistakes
✗ How much people came?
✓ How many people came?
✗ I have much friends.
✓ I have a lot of friends.
✗ There are a little chairs.
✓ There are a few chairs.
✗ I don’t have many money.
✓ I don’t have much money.