Much - Many - Lot - Few - Little

English Grammar Rules


We use these words as quantifiers that come at the start of noun phrases and they tell us something about quantity.


A lot of vs. Lots of

A lot of and lots of are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.

We use lots of in positive and negative sentences, however it is more informal. It can be used with countable or uncountable nouns, and occasionally in questions.

She has a lot of money = She has lots of money



Much vs. Many

Much and Many are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

Much and Many are used in negative sentences and questions.
Many is used with countable nouns
Much is used with uncountable nouns.

Note: we almost never use Much and Many in positive sentences, we almost always use a lot of or lots of.

I have much money. (Incorrect because the sentence is positive / affirmative)
I have a lot of money. (Correct)

With the word "times" we use many times more than a lot of times / lots of times. It sometimes means frequently or often.

The difference between MUCH, MANY, A LOT OF and LOTS OF in English

Few vs. Little

We use a few and a little to suggest a small quantity or not much of something.
A few is used with countable nouns (= some; not many)
A little is used with uncountable nouns (= some; not much)

While Few and Little usually have negative meanings, especially when used with very.

The difference between FEW, LITTLE, A FEW and A LITTLE in English

Next activity

Would you like to practice the difference between these quantifiers? Try our Much, Many, A lot, Few Game or our Few vs. Little Game


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