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 a lot of anger would disappear if we simplified the program and avoided feature shock.
He will need some time in order to run a background check.
It takes lots of skill to code for backward compatibility.
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 aren't many spam filters that would allow that email through.
There aren't many users who wouldn't prefer a fiber (optic) internet connection.
There are several batch operations which were run last night.
A Little / Little
"A little' conveys a simple fact with noncount nouns.
Example:
Tom has a little understanding of the flow chart.
The company has a little money available to buy flat screens.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with noncount nouns.
Example:
There is little chance that you will find the fnord hidden in this folder.
Bob Dobbes says there is little chance a normal person will spot the fnord.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
He told me there were a few peripherals that require a firewire connection.
He told me that there were a few bugs in the firmware.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
"Unfortunately, there are few computers operating the BIOS interface in the computer lab."
"Unfortunately, there are few humans who can speak the computer language known as binary code."