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:
Fundraising helped with some of the expenses involved in waste water treatment.
Much of the affected population came out in support of our plan.
The Foundation has little money left.
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:
There are several projections that are based on the baseline data.
There are a lot of errors on this balance sheet.
Several global structures may need to change if are to move to sustainable global practices.
A Little / Little
"A little' conveys a simple fact with noncount nouns.
Example:
I'll write a grant proposal to get a little seed money for the project.
Tom has a little grant money for his film project, and that will help."
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with noncount nouns.
Example:
Without a grassroots support organization there is little hope we will be able to sustain our efforts.
Peter says there is little hope that the organization will adopt a Best Practices policy.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
A few of the natives doubted our goodwill.
He told me that there were a few behavioral objectives that could never be met.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
Fortunately, few of the benchmarks were unrealistic or difficult."
Unfortunately the government-operated NGO had few opportunities to deliver on its mission.