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:
The funder helped him complete a lot of his research.
Much of the affected population came out in support of our plan.
The Foundation has little money left.
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:
Many Nation States have a history that includes genocide.
These funds provide grants to many geographic or program areas
There are a lot of errors on this balance sheet.
A Little / Little
"A little' conveys a simple fact with noncount nouns.
Example:
Tom has a little understanding of what makes an organizational performance measurement system ""best-in- class."""
Tom has a little grant money for his film project, and that will help."
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with noncount nouns.
Example:
Without a grassroots support organization there is little hope we will be able to sustain our efforts.
We will change little if we don't make some grassroots connections.
A Few / Few
'A few' conveys a simple fact with count nouns.
Example:
A few dictators here and there is all it takes to demolish democratic forms of governance.
There are a few baseline projections that are not supported by the data.
'Little' expresses a sense of 'a lack of' something with count nouns.
Example:
Fortunately, few of the benchmarks were unrealistic or difficult."
Few people realize that of the millions given less than 1% has been in the form of direct government-to-government aid.