THE USAGES of MUCH, MANY, FEW, LITTLE, LOTS, A LOT OF, PLENTY
Much , many , few, little
We use Much and Little with Uncountable Noun:
For example :
1. I haven’t much time to do it.
2. Have you little money in your pocket?
3. We still have little energy.
4. She hasn’t much luck.
A lot of, lot of, plenty of
We use a lot of / lots of / plenty of with UN or C N Noun
For Example :
1. John had a lot of luck.
2. There are a lot of people here.
3. I have lots of time.
4. She has a lot of books.
5. She has plenty of money.
6. I have plenty of ideas.
We use MUCH and Many mainly in Negative and questions.
1. I did not spend much money.
2. Do you have many friends?
In positive sentences it is usually better to use a lot ( of )
1. We spent a lot of money.
2. There has been a lot of rain recently.
But we use too much and so much in positive sentence.
I can’t drink this tea. There is too much sugar in it.
little / a little / few / a few
Little and few are negative ideas: ( not much/ enough ).
1. Hurry up! There is little time.
2. He’s not popular. He has few friends.
We often use very before little / few.
1. There is very little time.
2. He has very few friends.
A few / a little are more positive ideas: ( some )
1. Let’s go and have a cup of coffee.
We have a little time before the train leaves.
2. I enjoy my life here. I have a few friends here.
3. A few days ago I saw John here.
Only a few and only a little have a negative meaning :
1. Hurry up ! We only have only a little time.
2. The town was very small. There were
only a few houses.