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:
I think I can only pay some of the minimum payment.
It's possible that there will be large amounts of itemized statements to go over.
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:
Several companies are looking to invest in energy.
Many investors will probably be willing to invest in the current market.
There aren't many different funds in your portfolio.
A Little / Little
"A little' conveys a simple fact with noncount nouns.
Example:
Having only a little interest in her finances, Mary ignored the bounced check notice she received from the bank.
Michael has a little time left to take out a loan.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with noncount nouns.
Example:
There is little reason to believe using an intermediary will make things cheaper.
There is little scope for intermediary benefits.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
He told me there were a few money markets that met my requirements.
There were a few options for power of attorney.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
If you overdraw your account there are few drawbacks.
There are very few options for long-term financing.