LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

5 Quantity

5.2

5.2A

Study:

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General and specific references to quantity

'Of after quantifiers ('a lot of, 'some of, etc.) [> LEG 5.5]

1 We always use of with these quantifiers when we put them in front of a noun or pronoun,

and the reference is general:

a bit of, a couple of, a lot of, lots of, the majority of, a number of, plenty of.

A lot of people don't eat meat. (= a lot of people in general)

2 If we use words like the or my after of, the reference is specific:

A lot of the people I know don't eat meat. (= the ones I know)

3 We use quantifiers like some, any, much and many without of \n general references:

Some people don't eat meat. (= some people in general)

4 If we use of+ the, my etc., after some etc., the reference is specific [compare > 5.7C]:

Some of the people I know don't eat meat. (= the ones I know)

Note that None of is always specific: None of my friends is here. I want none of it.

Write: a Supply ofwhere necessary.

b Mark each sentence G (= General) or S (= Specific).

1 There have been a lot Of...... changes to our plans. G_

2 You only need to use a small amount salt in a dish like this.

3 A lot the trouble was caused by a faulty switch.

4 Have some tea.

5 Would you like any cake?

6 Would you like any this cake?

7 We need a couple people to work in our new warehouse.

8 There's plenty food for everybody.

9 There were plenty complaints about the service.

10 There's plenty this stew left, so we can have it again tonight.

11 How much milk is there in the pan? - None

12 How much of the milk have you used? - None it.

13 Some students have complained about the canteen.

14 Some my students have complained about the canteen.

15 Would you like a bit butter on this toast?

5.2B When to use quantifiers without 'of: 'I've got a lot' [> LEG 5.5]

Study:

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Write:

If we use a quantifier on its own (not in front of a noun or pronoun) we do not use of.

Did you buy any fruit? - Yes, I bought a lot/lots/plenty. (Not *a lot of* etc.)

Use a couple, a bit, a lot, lots and plenty in short answers to these questions.

1 Are there any eggs in the fridge? - Yes ^.Ж.л.ШЙг.-

2 Did you buy any cheese at the supermarket? - Yes

3 Have we got enough potatoes for the weekend? - Yes

4 Is there any milk in that jug? - Yes

5 Were there many people at the meeting? - Yes

6 Is there any ironing to be done? - Yes