How Much, How Many
Expressions for Use with Count and Noncount Nouns
These expressions are used with noncount nouns. The expressions are arranged in order from most to least.
all
most
much, lots of, a lot of
some
a little, not much, little
not...any, no, none
Example:
Washing stains out of uniforms involves many soaps and bleaches.
He made some money from working in room service.
This condominium complex has some grass left on the lawn.
These expressions are used with count nouns. The expressions are arranged in order from most to least.
every, all
most
many, lots of, a lot of
several
some
not many, only a few, few
not...any, no, none
Example:
Many hotel managers love their work.
The nutritional analysis will be printed on several sheets of colored paper.
There aren't more than two pairs of pants in the laundry.
A Little / Little
"A little' conveys a simple fact with noncount nouns.
Example:
I have only a little understanding of how to distribute comps.
Amusement parks spend only a little bit of money on public relations.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with noncount nouns.
Example:
The wait person has little time before his shift begins.
Peter says there is little hope for an uptick in travel trends.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
The dishwasher broke a few dishes.
The tablecloth had a few wine stains.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
Few hotels still offer valet parking.
In sales there are few rewards more motivating than the commission.