Quantifiers

1.

5.2 Quantifiers
1 We use quantifiers to talk about how much there is of something. We always put
the quantifier before the noun it describes.
1 How many people work in your office? Are there any Americans there?
2 There isn’t enough coffee left. Can you lend me some money to buy more?
3 A There are too many dirty cups!
B I don’t know why. I washed up a lot of cups last night.
4 A How much bread have we got?
B Not much! There are only a few slices left.
5 I’ve only got a little money left. I spent far too much money at the weekend.
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2.

5.2 Quantifiers
1 We use some and any before countable or uncountable nouns when we don’t
want to be specific about quantities. We usually use some in positive sentences,
offers or requests.
Positive
sentence
1 He’s got some very interesting things to say about the project.
2 Would you like some more tea?
3 Could I borrow some notepaper, please?
Offer
Request
3 We use any in negative sentences and questions.
1 I can’t find any whiteboard pens.
2 Have you got any ideas about the presentation?
Negative
sentence
Question
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3.

5.2 Quantifiers
1 We use a lot of/lots of when we talk about large quantities. We use a few or a
little when we talk about small quantities.
Countable nouns
Small quantity a few
There are a few people I know
here.
Large quantity a lot of/lots of
He’s got a lot of friends.
There aren’t lots of places to
go.
Uncountable nouns
a little
There’s a little water in the
bottom of the glass.
a lot of/lots of
There isn’t a lot of milk left.
We’ve got lots of time.
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4.

5.2 Quantifiers
1 We use much or many for quantities in questions and negative sentences. We use
too much or too many when we have more than we need or want.
Countable
Uncountable
Have we got many interviews today?
How much time have we got?
They haven’t visited many countries.
There hasn’t been much rain recently.
I’ve got too many things to do.
Lottery winners get too much money.
2 We use enough with countable and uncountable nouns when we want to say ‘all
that is necessary’.
1 Have you got enough time to finish the report?
2 They haven’t got enough people. Let’s help.
3 Do you think he has enough experience to do the job well?
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5.

5.2 Quantifiers
1 Complete the sentences with a quantifier. More than one may be possible.
a little money, so I can’t buy that bike.
1 I only have _________
a lot/lots of people to help us set up the party.
2 We need _________
3 Would you like _________
some more coffee?
4 If we don’t hurry up, we won’t have _________
enough time.
5 You’ve given me too _________
much change. Here, take this back.
6 Is there ________
water? I’m very thirsty.
any
7 Could I have _________
some more bread, please?
few/lot of good friends since she’s been here.
8 She has made a _________
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