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 noncount (uncountable) nouns, others are only used with count (countable) nouns. Some expressions of quantity are used with both noncount and count nouns. Here are some examples:

1. Count Nouns

Both friends

Several people

Many trees

2. Both Count and Noncount 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 (count or noncount) 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:

3. Not any - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

I don't have any time this week.

She doesn't have any friends in Lombok.

4. No - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

Mary has no money to go away on holiday.

I have no friends in Makasar.

5. One, two, three, etc. - Count Nouns Only

Widodo has one car.

6. Both - Count Nouns Only

Both of my friends live in Papua.

7. A Couple Of - Count Nouns Only

There are a couple of cats in that house.

8. A Few / Few - Count Nouns Only

There are a few students in the classroom.

She has few friends in Semarang.

9. A Little / Little - Noncount Nouns Only

There is a little food left on the table.

There is little time to waste.

10. Some - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

I've got some extra money saved up in the bank.

She's got some friends in Bandung.

11. Several - Count Nouns Only

There are several books on that table.

12. Much - Noncount Nouns Only

How much time is left?

13. Many - Count Nouns Only

There aren't many days left until Waisak.

14. A Lot Of / Lots of - Both Count and Noncount 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.

Jaya has lots of friends in Balikpapan.

15. Plenty Of - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

There is plenty of help available at the library.

There are plenty of children in need of your help.

16. A Number Of - Count Nouns Only

She has a number of business contacts in Batam.

17. Most - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

He has the most time of anyone.

She keeps most receipts on her desk.

18. Each - Count Nouns Only

Each student must come to class on time.

19. Every - Count Nouns Only

Every day is important.

20. All - Both Count and Noncount Nouns

She keeps all oranges in the refrigerator.

We keep all rice in the cupboard.