Quantifiers in English, such as much, many, a lot of, few and little, help us talk about quantity, but choosing the right one can be confusing. The key is to know whether the noun is countable or uncountable and whether the amount is large, small or more than enough. Let’s look at the differences with clear examples.

Much, Many, A Lot of, Few and Little

Much, many, a lot of, few and little are common quantifiers in English. We use them to talk about quantities and amounts, but they are not all used in the same way. 

The main thing to remember is whether the noun is countable or uncountable.

Much and Many

Both much and many mean a large quantity or number.

We use much with uncountable nouns:

• much ice cream
• much time
• much money
• much energy

We use many with countable plural nouns:

• many people
• many countries
• many students
• many species

Much

We normally use much in negative sentences and questions.

• Sandra couldn’t eat much food.
• Do they charge much money for the rent?
• We don’t have much time left.

In positive sentences, a lot of or lots of is usually more natural.

• There is a lot of noise in the classroom.
• She has a lot of work to do today.

However, we can use too much, so much and as much in positive sentences.

• The waiter charged me too much money.
• You’ll gain weight if you eat so much pasta.
• Take as much time as you need.

Many

We can use many in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions.

• There are many mountains in the country.
• Mark didn’t know many words in Italian.
• Are there many students in your class?

In everyday conversation, a lot of is often more natural than many in positive sentences.

Compare:

• There are many people in the park.
• There are a lot of people in the park.

Both are correct, but the second sentence is more common in informal English.

A Lot of and Lots of

We use a lot of and lots of with both countable and uncountable nouns.

With countable nouns

• There are a lot of books on the shelf.
• She has lots of friends at university.

With uncountable nouns

• There was a lot of mud on his trainers.
• We still have lots of time.

Lots of is slightly more informal than a lot of.

We can also use a lot without a noun, especially at the end of a sentence or clause.

• When her pet dog died, Lucy cried a lot.
• I like this restaurant a lot.
• He travels a lot for work.

We can also use lots on its own when the meaning is clear.

• Have some more food. There is lots left.

Plenty of

Plenty of means more than enough.

It can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.

• There is no need to hurry. We have plenty of time.
• There were plenty of people at the party.
• We have plenty of opportunities to practise.

We can also use plenty without a noun when the meaning is clear.

• Why did you buy more milk? We have plenty.

A Little and A Few

A little

We use a little with uncountable nouns. It means a small amount.

• We have a little time, so let’s go for a walk.
• Jay could speak a little Chinese.
• She seasoned the salad with a little oil.
• I need a little help with this exercise.

A few

We use a few with countable plural nouns. It means a small number.

• Chris stood there for a few moments.
• Phoebe put a few clothes into her suitcase.
• I’m trying to save a few pounds each week.
• We invited a few friends for dinner.

A Bit of

We can often use a bit of in a similar way to a little.

It is especially common in informal spoken English.

• I’ve left you a bit of food in the fridge.
• We need a bit of information before we decide.
• Can I have a bit of water?

We can also use a bit before comparative adjectives.

• It’s a bit warmer today.
• This exercise is a bit easier than the previous one.

You will also often hear a little bit, especially in spoken English.

• A little bit of exercise can do wonders for your health.
• Can you turn the volume down a little bit?
• I’m a little bit tired today.

Few and Little

Be careful not to confuse few and little with a few and a little.

A few and a little usually have a more positive meaning. They tell us that there is a small quantity, but there is still something available.

• I have a few friends in London.
• We have a little time before the train leaves.

Few and little emphasise that the quantity is very small. They often suggest that it is smaller than we would like or expect.

Few

We use few with countable plural nouns.

• Sara was sad because she had few friends.
• There are few eggs in the fridge. You should buy some.
• Very few people knew the answer.

Little

We use little with uncountable nouns.

• There is little butter left in the fridge.
• I’m sorry, but I speak very little Spanish.
• We have little time to prepare.

Compare:

• I have a few friends in London.
  = I have some friends.
• I have few friends in London.
  = I don’t have many friends.

And:

• We have a little time.
  = We have some time.
• We have little time.
  = We don’t have much time.

Quantifiers in English: Quiz

Download the Quantifiers in English Practice Worksheet in PDF here

Quick Summary

Use:

• many + countable plural nouns: many students
• much + uncountable nouns: much money
• a lot of / lots of + countable or uncountable nouns: a lot of books, a lot of time
• a few + countable plural nouns: a few friends
• a little + uncountable nouns: a little water
• few + countable plural nouns when the quantity seems very small: few opportunities
• little + uncountable nouns when the amount seems very small: little hope
• plenty of when there is more than enough: plenty of time

Related posts: 

• Countable and Uncountable Nouns 
• Too and Enough 
• So, Such, So Many, So Much 
• As Long As, As Far As, As Well As, As Much As 
• B2 First Grammar