Skip to main content
rulegym.
Sign in
Rules›Quantity: a lot of, much / many, few / little
A2

Quantity: a lot of, much / many, few / little

Different words mark amount. Use a lot of / lots of for big amounts with any noun, much / many in questions and negatives (many = countable, much = uncountable), and (a) few / (a) little for small amounts.

  1. big amounts, any noun

    When to use it
    Talk about large quantities with a lot of and lots of.
    Use these patterns correctly before plural nouns.
    Use these patterns correctly before uncountable nouns.
    Recognize that a lot of and lots of mean the same thing.
    Choose noun types that fit after these quantity expressions.

    Build an example

    Phrase
    Noun
    a lot ofbooks

    Maria has a lot of books at home.

    Use a lot of before a plural noun for a large number.

    Signal words
    bookspeoplewatertimemoneyemails
    Common mistake
    Tom buys lots of apple.Tom buys lots of apples.
    After lots of with countable things, use a plural noun.
    ✗ A lot of and lots of are only for countable things.
    ✓ They work with plural count nouns and with uncountable nouns: lots of books, a lot of water.