Quantifiers are special words or phrases in English that describe the quantity, or how much of something there is. The following quantifiers are common in English:
- some / any
- much / many
- each / every
- more / most
- a little / little
- a few / few
- both / either / neither
- fewer / less
- several
- all / no
- enough
Of course, the rules of quantifiers depend on what kind of noun they are used with. Which quantifier you use depends on whether or not you can count the noun.
With Count Nouns Only
- (not) many people
- a few parties
- too few chairs
- fewer drinks
- several tables
With Uncount Nouns Only
- (not) much fun
- a little time
- very little experience
- less
With Both Count and Uncount Nouns
- some money
- some people
- (not) any juice
- (not) any glasses
- more / most water
- more / most cigarettes
- all / no information
- all / no stores
- enough food
- enough forks
With Singular Count Nouns Only
- each person
- every time
- either choice
- neither place
With Plural Count Nouns Only
- both students
Most quantifiers can be used without a noun.
- Did you see any animals on your trip?
- Actually, we didn't see any.
- Have you got any spare change?
- Sure, but I only have a little.
- How many people came to the party?
- Only a few.
- Did John or Jane call you last night?
- Both called me.
Review - Quantifiers (Part 1)
Review - Quantifiers (Part 1)
However, no, all, every, and each require the use of a noun.
- Every person needs oxygen to breathe.
- All cats are crazy.
If you choose to add a determiner after a quantifier, use of.
Common determiners are...
- the
- my
- your
- his
- her
- its
- their
- our
- that
- this
- those
- these
- Can I have a little of your coffee?
- Neither of my shoes are dirty.
- I didn't see much of his house when I visited him.
Before a determiner, all and all of are possible AND both and both of are possible.
- Someone stole all (of) my money.
- Both (of) my parents are angry with me right now.
No and every are not used with determiners. Instead, we use none of and every one of or all of.
- None of your friends called you on your birthday? That's terrible!
- Every one of the students in the classroom is tired today.
- All of the people outside are waiting to buy the new phone.
- I went to none of the restaurants she recommended.
When we use the quantifier none with a plural noun, we can use a singular or plural verb.
- None of them is / are here.
- None of her friends smokes / smoke.
- None of the people outside has / have come in yet.
Review - Quantifiers (Part 2)
Review - Quantifiers (Part 2)
Exercise
Please click the Exercise link to continue.