Quantifiers with Countable and Uncountable Nouns • 7ESL

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Quantifiers are essential elements of language that allow us to express the amount or quantity of people, places, and things. However, the use of quantifiers can be challenging for language learners, especially when it comes to countable and uncountable nouns. In this article, we will explore the different types of quantifiers used with countable and uncountable nouns, and provide examples to help you better understand their usage. Now let’s explore the world of quantifiers!

What is a Quantifier?

Quantifier definition: A quantifier is a word or number that shows an amount or number.

Examples: one, each, every, a little, much…

Example sentences:

I have a few friends.
I have a little money.

The quantifier a few is used before friends, which is a countable noun. A little is used before money, an uncountable noun.

Quantifiers are adjectives and adjective phrases that go before nouns. They give information about how much or how many of an item you are talking about. Some quantifiers, like a few, few, many go only before countable nouns. Others, like a little, little, much go only before uncountable nouns. And a few quantifiers can go before countable or uncountable nouns.

How to Use Quantifiers

Learn how to use quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns in English with example sentences and ESL pictures.

Quantifiers Used with Countable Nouns

Specific Quantifiers

One, each and every are examples of countable noun quantifiers.

one, two, three, four: These numerals are used to indicate the exact number of items.
each, every: These quantifiers are used to refer to individual items within a group.

Examples:

One movie that I enjoy is “The name of the King.”
Each child had to give a short speech to the rest of the class.
There are two boys. Each is smiling.
Every glass in my recent order was chipped.
The manager wants to speak to every employee in his office.
They enjoyed every minute of their holidays.

With plural count nouns, just add of the between the quantifier and the noun it describes.

One of the boys tripped over and crashed into a tree.
Each of the cars has air conditioning.
Every one of the students is intelligent.

Non-specific Quantifiers

Non-specific quantifiers, on the other hand, provide vague or general information about the amount of countable nouns. These quantifiers do not give an exact number but give a rough idea of the quantity. Here are some examples of non-specific quantifiers:

few, a few, several: These quantifiers are used to indicate that there is a small or limited number of items.
many, numerous: These quantifiers are used to suggest a large or significant number of items.
some, any: These quantifiers are used when the exact number is not important or cannot be determined.

Examples:

Several villages have been isolated by the heavy snowfall.
I saw a few prisoners run away from the prison.
All she wanted was a few moments on her own.
Many students now see university as a stepping stone to a good job.
We don’t have many things to do today.
How many siblings do you have?
A number of the computers are imported.

Quantifiers Used with Uncountable Nouns

Some quantifiers used with uncountable nouns are:

A little: A small amount of something.
Much: A large amount of something.
A lot of: A significant amount of something.
A great deal of: A large quantity or extent of something.
Some: An unspecified amount of something.
Any: Zero or an indefinite quantity of something.
A bit of: A small, indefinite amount of something.

Examples:

Swirl a little oil around the frying pan.
She saves a little money every month.
She’s got so much energy she never seems to tire.
She didn’t have much homework last night.
A motorcar costs a great deal of money.

Quantifiers Used with both Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Some, most, plenty of, all and any are examples of quantifier that can go with both countable and uncountable nouns

Examples:

There is some bread apart from the milk. (uncountable noun)
We’ve got some oranges. (countable noun)
Paul has strong opinions on most subjects. (countable noun)
Don’t worry. We have plenty of time. (uncountable noun)
Send me an e-mail when you have any news. (uncountable noun)

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Avoiding Redundancy

One common mistake that learners often make is using unnecessary quantifiers in a sentence, leading to redundancy. When using quantifiers, it is essential to understand their purpose and avoid overusing them. Here are a couple of examples to illustrate this point:

Incorrect: She has many much luggage.
Correct: She has much/a lot of luggage.
Incorrect: They have few less chairs.
Correct: They have few chairs.

Being aware of these redundancies can help to produce clear and concise sentences.

Quantity vs. Quality

Another prevalent misconception is confusing the use of quantifiers for countable nouns with those for uncountable nouns. Using the wrong quantifier may lead to confusion and unclear communication. Here is a list of commonly used quantifiers and their appropriate usage:

For countable nouns (use with numbers): many, few, several, a few, a number of
For uncountable nouns (do not use with numbers): much, little, a lot of, a little

Here are some examples of correct usage:

With countable nouns: They have many friends. / They have a few friends.
With uncountable nouns: There is much traffic. / There is a little traffic.

Quantifiers in Countable and Uncountable Nouns | Images

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common quantifiers for countable nouns?

Countable nouns can be used with quantifiers like many, a few, several, a couple of, and a number of. These quantifiers help express the quantity of countable items, such as “many books,” “a few cats,” or “several apples.”

What are common quantifiers for uncountable nouns?

Uncountable nouns typically pair with quantifiers like much, a little, a bit of, and a large amount of. These quantifiers refer to an unspecified quantity or volume of uncountables, like “much water,” “a little sugar,” or “a large amount of information.”

How do I use ‘many’ and ‘much’ correctly?

Use “many” with countable nouns and “much” with uncountable nouns. For example, say “many people” and “many cars” because people and cars are countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, say “much time” and “much money.”

How do quantifiers change with plural and singular nouns?

Quantifiers can be combined with both singular and plural nouns. Some quantifiers, like “a,” “an,” and “one,” work specifically with singular nouns (e.g., “a cat” or “one book”). Others, such as “many” or “several,” work with plural nouns (e.g., “many apples” or “several chairs”). Certain quantifiers, like “some,” “a lot of,” and “plenty of,” can be used with both singular and plural nouns.

When should I use ‘few’, ‘less’, and ‘least’?

‘Few’ is used with countable nouns to convey a small number (e.g., “few people”). ‘Less’ is used with uncountable nouns to describe a smaller amount (e.g., “less time” or “less money”). ‘Least’ indicates the smallest possible amount or number and can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns, depending on context (e.g., “the least number of items” or “the least amount of time”).

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An experienced English grammar teacher since 2015, with a dedication to helping students improve their language skills.