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Grammar Knowledge about Quantifiers in English

Quantifiers, also known as words that indicate quantity, are a key topic in English grammar that is frequently used. How are quantifiers used in English? Let’s explore together with PREP!

quantifiers in engish — Grammar Knowledge about Quantifiers in English

I. What are Quantifiers in English?
II. How to Use Different Types of Quantifiers in English
III. How to Conjugate Verbs Following Quantifiers in English
IV. Exercises on Quantifiers in English
1. 1. Exercises
2. 2. Answer keys

I. What are Quantifiers in English?

Quantifiers in English are words that indicate quantity. They typically appear before a noun and modify that noun. In English, some quantifiers are used with uncountable nouns while others are used with countable nouns; some quantifiers can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. For example:

There are many bikes on the road. ➞ Bikes is a countable noun.
I don't earn much money. ➞ Money is an uncountable noun.
There's some cake in the kitchen if you'd like it. ➞ Cake is a countable noun.
Here's some news you might be interested in. ➞ News is an uncountable noun.

II. How to Use Different Types of Quantifiers in English

There are three common types of quantifiers in English. Let’s explore them together with PREP below!

1. Quantifiers with Countable Nouns

Quantifier	Usage	Example
many	Used with plural nouns to indicate a large number.	Many students attended the class.
both	Refers to two people or things considered together.	Both books are interesting.
several	Indicates more than a few but not a specific large number, used with plural nouns.	Several people are waiting for the bus.
every/ each	Used with singular nouns; "Every" emphasizes all members of a group, while "Each" focuses on individual items.	Every student has a book. Each student received a different prize.
a few/ few	"A few" indicates a small but sufficient number; "Few" implies a very small number, often insufficient.	A few people came to visit. Few people know the answer.
a large/ great number of	Refers to a substantial quantity of plural nouns.	All the staff didn't expect such a large number of people to attend the performance. A great number of tourists visit this city every year.
a majority of	Indicates the greater part of a group, used with plural nouns	A majority of the committee agreed on the decision.
a couple of	Generally refers to two or a small number of items, used with plural nouns.	I need a couple of hours to finish.
a pair of	Indicates two things that are similar or complementary, used with singular or plural nouns.	I bought a pair of shoes.

2. Quantifiers with Uncountable Nouns

Quantifier	Usage	Example
much	Refers to a large amount of an uncountable noun.	There isn’t much water left in the cup.
a great deal of	Indicates a significant amount of an uncountable noun.	Emi spent a great deal of time on the project.
a quantity of	Refers to a specific amount of an uncountable noun.	We need a quantity of sugar for the recipe.
a large/ great amount of	Indicates a substantial quantity of an uncountable noun.	Linda would like to buy a large amount of soda. John has a great amount of experience in this field.
a little/ little	"A little" signifies a small but adequate amount; "Little" stresses an insufficient amount.	Add a little salt to the dish. There is little happiness for a reward.
a bit (of)	Refers to a small amount of an uncountable noun.	I need a bit of advice on this problem.
less	Used for comparing quantities of uncountable nouns, indicating a smaller amount.	We need less salt in this recipe.

3. Quantifiers with Both Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Quantifier	Usage
a lot of/ lots of	Used to indicate a large quantity of both countable and uncountable nouns.	There are a lot of pencils on the table. We have lots of time to complete the task.
some	Refers to an unspecified amount, usually a small quantity, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	Can I have some apple juice? We need some people for the event.
plenty of	Indicates a very large amount, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	There are plenty of cats in the house.
most/ most of	Refers to the majority of a group, used with both countable and uncountable nouns.	Most people like to eat banana. Most of the students failed the exam.
any	Used in negative sentences and questions, or with interrogative words, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	Do you have any questions? I don’t have any money left.
all	Refers to the entirety, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	All the cookies were eaten.
enough	Indicates a sufficient amount to meet a need, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	We have enough tables for students.
no	Indicates the absence of something, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	There is no salt in the coffee.
none	Indicates that no items are present from a mentioned quantity, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.	None of the answers were false.

III. How to Conjugate Verbs Following Quantifiers in English

The rules regarding verb conjugation that follow quantifiers in English are extremely important. Let’s explore how to conjugate verbs after quantifiers with PREP below!

Decimals and Fractions

Structure:

Decimal or fraction + singular noun + verb (singular)

For example:

On weekdays, a half of the room functions as workspace.
Three quarters of an hour is 45 minutes.

2. Half, part, a lot

Structure:

Half, part, a lot + of + plural noun + verb (plural)

For example:

A lot of youngers start drinking because of job pressure.
Half of my friends want to study abroad.

3. No

Structure:

No + singular noun + verb (singular)

No + plural noun + verb (plural)

For example:

No words can be the disguise of base intentions.
No dog sleeps on the bed.

4. The number of/A number of

Structure:

A number of + plural noun + verb (plural)

The number of + plural noun + verb (singular)

For example:

A number of employees have been employed to deal with the backlog of work.
The number of crimes in Paris has increased this year.

IV. Exercises on Quantifiers in English

To better understand quantifiers in English, let’s complete the quantifier exercises below together with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose one of the following quantifiers to fill in the blank: much, many, few, little, some, any, a lot of, plenty of

There isn’t __________ food left in the fridge.
How __________ people were at the party last night?
We have __________ time to finish the project, so let’s not rush.
Emi has __________ friends in the city because she’s new here.
I’ve got __________ questions about the assignment.
They didn’t find __________ interesting places to visit in that town.
There’s __________ water in the bottle if you’re thirsty.
Jack spent __________ money on his new car.
__________ students find the exam difficult, but most of them do well.
We don’t have __________ apples left. Can you buy __________ on your way home?

Exercise 2: Choose the correct quantifier

We don’t have _____ (much/many) chairs, but we have _____ (plenty of/many) tables.
Susan didn’t give _____ (much/many) information about the event.
There were _____ (a lot of/little) people at the concert.
_____ (A few/A little) students passed the exam, but most failed.
Do you have _____ (some/any) idea what time it is?
John has _____ (plenty of/little) money, so he can afford the trip.
I’ve got _____ (a little/a few) time before the meeting.
They need _____ (many/much) help with their homework.
There is too _____ (much/many) sugar in this coffee.
I have a _____ (few/little) money in my pocket.

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1	Exercise 2
much many plenty of/a lot of few some/a lot of any some a lot of/plenty of A few many/some	many, plenty of much a lot of A few any plenty of a little much much little

This concludes all the essential grammar knowledge about quantifiers in English. We hope the information shared here will help Preppies conquer English grammar and make mastering IELTS grammar as easy as pie. Wishing you effective self-study and the ability to grasp all the fundamental English knowledge quickly!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.