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.
Lots of consumers are hesitant to endorse checks of uncertain origin.
Many investors will probably be willing to invest in the current market.
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 chance in the current market to buy on margin.
There is little reason to believe using an intermediary will make things cheaper.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
There were a few issues with the power of attorney documents.
There were a few options for power of attorney.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
There are very few options for long-term financing.
If you overdraw your account there are few drawbacks.