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Quantifiers with un/countables

  • August 17, 2016
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Good morning/afternoon/evening!

Again we revise and learn the useful rules for almost every day.

We haven’t discussed the two subjects yet: the comparative and the superlative forms, and the quantifiers in detail.

That was one of the topics about countable and uncountable.

There are a few quantifiers to be all adrift. Today we’re going to revise them followed by the rules with examples.

I’m sure that you are the best of the students, and of course, you will learn the rules fast and freely.

You can learn English if you have a little patience.-2

Look through the rules:

  • Quantifiers change depending on the need.
  • For comparison is the “comparative” form. The “superlative” form shows the greatest or least and follows “the.”

Many friends — more friends — the most friends
Few boxes — fewer boxes — the fewest boxes

  • Some” is used to speak about the positive quantity. Both countable and uncountable nouns are included.
  • We use “Any” to say that the number is negative or “zero.” Once again, we apply “any” in both cases: countable and uncountable.
  • If we want to talk with more precision, we take the following words and constructions:
    “few,” “a few,” “quite a few,” “little,” “a little” or “many,” “more,” “the most.”

Pay attention: “Few” and “A Few” are the two different constructions and have the different meaning.

  • Few” means “not many.

Bob and Mary have few cows, I mean not many cows.

  • A few” means “some.”

Jack has a few cows, I don’t know the exact number, but I’m sure he has more than I do.

  • Quite a few” is a common phrase that means “many” and can confuse those new to the language.

Bernard has quite a few cows. Bob, Mary, and Jack are jealous of Bernard’s cows.

Fortunately for those who are envious, there are uncountable nouns!

We also may use “little,” “a little.”

  • Both “a little” and “a few” mean “some.”
  • Use “a little” with singular uncountable nouns:

Give me, please, a little oil.

Henry tries to save a little money every month.

  • Please, note that we choose “little” for more formal writing or speaking.
  • This word (“little”) has the meaning “not much,” “almost nothing” in most cases.

I’m sorry, but I have little choice.

I can’t go Dutch; I have little money. I act like a cheapskate today, sorry.

Can you think of other examples?

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