LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

5 Quantity

5.4

5.4A

Study:

0

Write:

5.4B

Study:

l**l

Write:

5.4C

'Much', 'many', 'a lot of, '(a) few', '(a) little', 'fewer', 'less'

Basic uses of 'much', 'many' and 'a lot of [> LEG 5.13-14]

The basic uses are:

1 much (+ uncountable, always singular) and many (+ plural countable) [> 5.1 A]:

• in negative statements: We haven't got much time. There aren't many pandas in China.


• in questions: Is there much milk? Have you had many inquiries?

2 a lot of or the informal lots of(+ plural countable or singular uncountable):

• in the affirmative: I've got a lot of time/lots of time. I've got a lot of/lots of books.

Supply much, many or a lot of \n these sentences.

1 I know old Mr Higgins has Q.&QP.tf money.

2 Is there demand for silk stockings?

3 There isn't space in this flat.

4 There aren't portraits of Shakespeare.

5 I must say, you have books.

6 Will there be guests at your party?

Other common uses of 'much', 'many' and 'a lot of [> LEG 5.13-14]

1 We can also use much and many in the affirmative (like a lot of/lots of):

• in formal statements: Much money is spent on defence. Many teachers retire early.


• with as... as: Take as much as you like.


• in time references: I've lived here for many years.
  2 We can use Not much and Not many to begin a sentence: Not many know about this.
  3 We can use not a lot off or emphasis: I haven't got a lot of time for people like him.

Supply much or many in these sentences.

1 ...МиЖ.... depends on the outcome of the inquiry.

2 Don't be discouraged! have failed to run the marathon.

3 You can have as of this material as you like.

4 Take as of these tiles as you want.

5 He has lived here for of his life.

6 We have occupied the same house for years.

7 Not happens around here when the tourists leave.

8 Not doctors are prepared to visit patients in their own homes.

Few', a few', 'little', a little' [> LEG 515]

1 We use few and a few with plural countable nouns: few friends, a few friends.

We use little and a little with uncountable nouns: little time, a little time.

2 Few and little are negative (= hardly any): I've got few friends. I've got little time, (hardly any)

We sometimes use very with few and little:

I've got very few friends. I've got very little time, (hardly any at all)

3 A few and a little are positive (= some): I've got a few friends. I've got a little time, (some)

We sometimes use only with a few and a little:

I've got only a few friends, (not many) I've got only a little time, (not much)