Expressions of Quantity

When we talk about expressions of quantity we have two options: to use them with countable nouns and to use them with non-countable nouns.

Question: How much wine do you want? (non-countable)
Answer:
 Just a little. (non-countable)
Question:
 How many friends do you have? (countable)
Answer:
 I have two close friends here. (countable)

When using non-countable nouns in a question we need to use: how much….?

When using countable nouns in a question we need to use: how many………?

 

NON-COUNTABLE NOUNS

Here are some examples of non-countable nouns.

  • [ sand
  • [ milk
  • [ money
  • [ time, etc.

In the answer to a question that uses non-countable nouns, we use there is or there isn’t plus one of the follwinng:

  • [ a little
  • [ not much
  • [ just a little
  • [ a lot (of)
  • [ there isn’t any

 

COUNTABLE NOUNS

Here are some examples of countable nouns:

  • [ people
  • [ cars
  • [ students, etc.

In the answer to a question that uses a countable noun, we use there are or there aren’t plus one of the following:

  • [ many
  • [ a lot (of)
  • [ plenty of
  • [ not many

 

For plural count nouns answer with one of the following:

  • [ a few
  • [ not too many