What are Quantifiers? Quantifiers Definition and Example Sentences

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Quantifiers In English

When you have finished this reading, you will be able to understand what are quantifiers. However, before going through all of them per one per, we think it would be helpful to clarify one point:

These quantifiers are used with both countable and uncountable nouns. However, when used in countable, it is only used with plurals. We need quantifiers when we do not know the exact number or when the exact amount is not that important.

Some

Let’s reinforce what we know with examples, we’d like to start by “some”.

While we use the word “some” in positive sentences, we cannot use it in negative sentences. When we use it in question sentences, we can only use it in offer and demand situations. Let’s examine the examples:

I need some cash, would you mind lending me some? – Uncountable
She’s organizing a dinner tonight, that’s why she needs you to buy some – Countable plural
Can I get some milk with my coffee? – Demand
Would you like to have some sandwiches? I made them! – Demand

A friendly reminder: When using “there is and there are” pay attention that you can use “is” with uncountables, and “are” with countable plurals. For example:

There is some
There are some apples at the counter, eat them!

Any

It means “nothing”. It is used with plural countable and uncountable nouns. Also, it’s used only in negative and interrogative sentences.

I don’t have any cash, sorry. –Uncountable
There aren’t any tomatoes in the shopping basket. -Countable plural
Do you remember at least any words that we talked about yesterday? – Countable plural
Is there any food at home? –Uncountable

Again, a friendly reminder: When used with “there is and there are”, “is” is used with uncountable and “are” is used with countable plurals.

There isn’t any cash.
There aren’t any tomatoes.

Much and Many

Much is only used with uncountable nouns and in negative and interrogative sentences:

Look, this bar doesn’t have much sugar.

It has two different uses in interrogative sentences: questions where the answer is yes and no, and “how much?” questions.

Do you have much salt at home?
How much data do you have to prove that?

To give short answers to these questions, use one of the following: a lot, a little, not much.

While many can only be used with countable plural nouns, many also can be used in all positive, negative, and interrogative sentences.

I travel a lot that’s why I can speak many languages.
I haven’t found a chance to take courses so I can’t speak as many languages as you.

It has two different uses in interrogative sentences: questions where the answer is yes and no, and “how much?” questions.

Are you able to speak many languages as natives?
How many languages can you speak at the level of above C1?

A lot of / A few / A little

A lot of is used with countable plural nouns and uncountable nouns. It can be used in all positive, negative, and interrogative sentences.

I have a lot of money.
I don’t have a lot of money.
Do you have a lot of money?

“A few” is used only with countable plural nouns, affirmative and interrogative sentences.

If you say “I have a few apples if you want.”, you’re saying you have a couple of apples. But, if you say “I have few apples.”, you’re saying you have only one or two apples.

A little is used only with uncountable nouns, positive and interrogative sentences.