Quantifiers
much/many, a few/a little, several, and how much is "enough".
The rules
- "Many" pairs with countable plural nouns: "many people".
- "Much" pairs with uncountable nouns: "much time".
- "A few" = some, a positive tone; "few" (no "a") = almost none, a negative tone.
- "A little" = some, enough to matter; "little" alone reads as "hardly any".
- "Several" = more than two, a moderate number, used with countable plural nouns.
- "No" + noun works for both countable and uncountable: "no sugar" (uncountable here).
- "Enough" works with countable plurals directly: "enough chairs".
Examples
- There are too many people in this room.
- I don't have much time before the meeting.
- I have a few friends here.
- She has a little experience, so she got the job.
- Several students passed the exam this year, better than expected.
- There is no sugar left.
- We don't have enough chairs for everyone.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.There are too _____ people in this room.
2.I don't have _____ time before the meeting.
3.Which sentence sounds positive ("some, but not many")?
4.She has _____ experience, so she got the job.
5._____ students passed the exam this year, better than expected.