Expressions of
quantity tell us how many or how much of something there is.
We use a little and much only
with non-countable nouns like money, snow, pollution etc.
We use a few and many only
with countable nouns like people, cars, books etc.
Let’s take a look at some expressions of quantity that
are used with both countable and non-countable nouns:
Countable
and Non-countable Expressions of Quantity
Any
Countable: There aren’t any cookies
left. (negative) / Are there any cookies left? (question)
Non-countable: There isn’t any water in
the cup. (negative) / Is there any water in the cup? (question)
No
Countable: There are no dogs in the
park.
Non-countable: There is no money in my
wallet.
Some
Countable: Some children study here in
the mornings. (affirmative)
Non-countable: There is some noise
coming from that house. (affirmative)
More
Countable: There are more students in
this school than in that other one.
Non-countable: There is more crime in
poor countries than in rich countries.
A lot
of / lots of
Countable: She has a lot of / lots of
pets.
Non-countable: There’s a lot of / lots
of traffic in my city.
Plenty
of
Countable: There are plenty of cars on
the street.
Non-countable: There is plenty of food
in the fridge.
Most
Countable: She keeps most of her books
in her backpack.
Non-countable: We spent the most time on
the renovations.
All
Countable: Who ate all the oranges?
Non-countable: Jessica is the one with
all the experience.
Enough
Countable: There aren’t enough cookies
for everyone, we need to buy some more.
Non-countable: There is enough space for
both of us.
Click on the exercises below to practice quantity
expressions:
