much, many, a lot of, a few, a little

These words say how much or how many, without a number. Which one you use depends on the noun: one you can count (books, people) or one you can't (time, money).

A lot of

A lot of goes with both kinds of noun, in every kind of sentence. Lots of means the same and is a little more informal.

At the end of a sentence, with no noun after it, say a lot.

Much and many

Many goes with plural nouns, and much with uncountable nouns. Both are common in negatives and questions.

In a positive sentence, use a lot of rather than much. After too, so and very, much is fine.

A few and a little

A few (with plural nouns) and a little (with uncountable nouns) mean a small number or a small amount, but some.

Without a, few and little mean "not many" or "not much", less than you want.

Common mistakes

• × much people → many people, a lot of people
• × many money → much money, a lot of money
• × a lot money → a lot of money
• × I drink much water. → I drink a lot of water.
• × a few water → a little water