Articles and quantifiers
What is an article?
Definition
Any of the English words 'a', 'an' and 'the' or words in other languages that do the same job as these.
Types of articles
In English there are two types of articles, namely definite (the) and indefinite articles (a/an).
Exercises on the articles
What is a quantifier?
Definition
A word or phrase that is used before a noun to show the amount of it that is considered.
Types of quantifiers
The type of quantifier you use depends on the quantity (= the amount or number of something) and on the noun. Depending on whether the noun is countable or uncountable you use a different quantifier.
Large quantities
Many (countable) / much (uncountable)
Use many/much in positive, negative sentences and questions.
- There are many statues in the garden of this palace.
- There isn't much coffee.
- Did they invite many people?
But you can use too many / too much in positive sentences.
- There is too much salt in the soup.
You use how many / how much when you want to ask about quantity.
- How many children do you have?
A lot of / lots of (informal)
Use a lot of / lots of + noun
- He spends a lot of time watching TV.
- He feels lots of love for her.
Use a lot / lots (NO OF) at the end of a sentence.
- They made cookies and I had a lot / lots.
- I like her a lot.
Small quantities
few / little
Use few / little when referring to almost none or not enough.
- There's little milk in the fridge.
- I speak very little English.
A few / a little
Use a few / a little when there is not a lot, but enough.
- There are a few beers left in the fridge.
- Yes, I speak a little English.
Some / any
Use some in positive sentences.
- I have some questions for you.
Use any in negatives sentences and questions.
- Is there any sugar in the jar?
- We didn't have any problems.
Use some in questions when you offer or ask for something.
- Would you like some tea?
- Can I have some tea?
Exercises on quantifiers
