Expressions of Quantity

Expressions of quantity are placed before nouns and express ‘how much’ or ‘how many’ of something exists. Some expressions of quantity are only used with Noncountable (uncountable) nouns, others are only used with Countable (countable) nouns. Some expressions of quantity are used with both Noncountable and Countable nouns. Here are some examples:

Countable Nouns

both friends
several people
many trees

Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

some time / friends
all people / all food
lots of things / money

The chart at the bottom of the page provides an overview of the most common expressions of quantity and the nouns (Countable or Noncountable) they proceed. The chart begins with the least amount (0) and ends in the greatest amount (all).

Here are examples sentences of each of these expressions in the order given in the chart. Examples go from the lowest number of amount to the highest number or amount:

Not any – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

I don’t have any time this week.
She doesn’t have any friends in London.

No – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

Mary has no money to go away on holiday.
I have no friends in Chicago.

One, two, three, etc. – Countable Nouns Only

Peter has one car.

Both – Countable Nouns Only

Both of my friends live in San Francisco.

A Couple Of – Countable Nouns Only

There are a couple of cats in that house.

A Few / Few – Countable Nouns Only

There are a few students in the classroom.
She has few friends in New York.

A Little / Little – Noncountable Nouns Only

There is a little food left on the table.
There is little time to waste.

Some – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

I’ve got some extra money saved up in the bank.
She’s got some friends in New Orleans.

Several – Countable Nouns Only

There are several books on that table.

Much – Noncountable Nouns Only

How much time is left?

Many – Countable Nouns Only

There aren’t many days left until Christmas.

A Lot Of / Lots of – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

We have a lot of rice in the kitchen.
There are a lot of students waiting to take the test.
She has lots of time to get ready.
Jack has lots of friends in Los Angeles.

Plenty Of – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

There is plenty of help available at the library.
There are plenty of children in need of your help.

A Number Of – Countable Nouns Only

She has a number of business contacts in Los Vegas.

Most – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

He has the most time of anyone.
She keeps most receipts on her desk.

Each – Countable Nouns Only

Each student must come to class on time.

Every – Countable Nouns Only

Every day is important.

All – Both Countable and Noncountable Nouns

She keeps all oranges in the refrigerator.
We keep all rice in the cupboard.

Expressions of Quantity

Expression of Quantity Count (C) / Noncount (NC) / Both (B)

not any B
no B
one C
two C
both C
a couple of C
three, four, six, etc. C
a few C
few C
a little NC
little NC
some B
several C
much NC
many C
a lot of B
lots of B
plenty of B
a number of C
most B
each C
every C
all B