Sentence structure: Quantities: some, any, much, many
To talk about how much or how many, first check if the noun is countable. Then choose some, any, much or many.
Bring the pieces togetherIn this chapter
Countable or uncountable?
Countable nouns can be counted one by one: an apple, three apples. Uncountable nouns can't; they stay singular and don't take a/an: milk, water, bread, rice, homework.
Differences from Turkish
Countable: takes a/an and plural -s.
Example: an apple / three apples
Example: some water
Which word goes where?
Positive: some: We have some apples. · Negative and question: any: Do we have any bread? · A lot (countable): How many friends do you have? · A lot (uncountable): We don't have much time. · A lot (both): She drinks a lot of water. · A small amount: I have a few cookies and a little juice.
With there is / there are
Uncountable → there is (singular).
Example: There is some milk in the fridge.
Example: There are some apples on the table.
much, many, a lot of
In positive sentences, a lot of sounds the most natural in everyday English.
Example: My grandpa has a lot of books.
Example: We don't have much homework today.
Tip
In offers and requests we use some even in questions, because we expect “yes”: Would you like some cake? Can I have some water?
Position 5 of 11 chapters at A1.