Master quantifiers (some, any, many, much, few, little) and distributive determiners (each, every, either, neither). Learn to use them correctly with countable/uncountable nouns and understand their special meanings.
✅ Recommended for: Class 6-8 (Basic) | Class 9-12 (Advanced Application)
1. Quantifiers: Countable vs Uncountable Nouns
| Quantifier | Used With | Meaning/Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| many | Countable nouns (plural) | Large number | many books, many students |
| much | Uncountable nouns | Large quantity | much water, much time |
| few | Countable nouns (plural) | Small number (negative) | few friends (not many) |
| a few | Countable nouns (plural) | Some (positive) | a few friends (some) |
| little | Uncountable nouns | Small quantity (negative) | little sugar (not much) |
| a little | Uncountable nouns | Some (positive) | a little sugar (some) |
| some | Both | Unspecified amount/number | some milk, some apples |
| any | Both (usually questions/negatives) | No specific amount | Do you have any money? I don't have any books. |
2. Distributive Determiners: Each, Every, Either, Neither
| Determiner | Meaning | Used With | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| each | Every single one individually | Singular countable nouns | Each student must submit their work. |
| every | All members as a group | Singular countable nouns | Every house on this street is painted white. |
| either | One or the other (of two) | Singular countable nouns | You can take either road to reach the station. |
| neither | Not one nor the other (of two) | Singular countable nouns | Neither answer is correct. |
3. Common Expressions with Quantifiers
| Expression | Usage | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| a lot of / lots of | Both countable & uncountable (informal) | We have a lot of work. She has lots of friends. | Informal but very common |
| plenty of | Both (means "more than enough") | There's plenty of food for everyone. | Positive connotation |
| a number of | Countable nouns (plural) | A number of students were absent. | Takes plural verb |
| a great deal of | Uncountable nouns (formal) | The project requires a great deal of patience. | Formal alternative to "much" |
4. Special Rules & Important Differences
| Rule | Correct | Incorrect | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Few vs A Few | I have a few friends. (positive) I have few friends. (negative) |
I have few friends (when meaning some) | "a few" = some (positive) "few" = not many (negative) |
| Little vs A Little | Add a little salt. (some) There's little hope. (almost none) |
Add little salt (when meaning some) | "a little" = some quantity "little" = almost none |
| Each vs Every | Each child received a gift. Every seat was taken. |
Each students were present. | "Each" emphasizes individuals "Every" emphasizes group |
| Either/Neither + of | Either of the answers is correct. Neither of them is coming. |
Either of the answers are correct. | With "of", use singular verb |
5. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
🎯 Quantifier Challenge (8 Questions)
Choose the correct quantifier for each sentence.
1. How ____ sugar do you want in your tea? (many/much)
2. She has ____ friends who live abroad. (few/a few)
3. ____ student must complete the assignment individually. (Each/Every)
4. There's very ____ time left to finish. (little/a little)
5. You can take ____ the blue pen or the red one. (either/neither)
6. ____ of the two answers is completely wrong. (Either/Neither)
7. We need ____ milk from the store. (some/any)
8. How ____ people attended the meeting? (much/many)
6. Memory Aids & Tips
Countable vs Uncountable Trick:
• Can you count it? → Use many/few/a few
• Can you measure it? → Use much/little/a little
Test: Say "one, two, three..." before the noun.
Few/Little Difference:
• No "a" = Negative (not enough)
• With "a" = Positive (some, enough)
Example: "I have little money" = I'm poor
"I have a little money" = I have some
Each/Every Rule:
• Each → Individual focus → "Each student has their own desk."
• Every → Group focus → "Every student must wear uniform."
• Every can mean "all" but "each" cannot.
Either/Neither Pattern:
• Either = E + Ither → Positive choice
• Neither = N + either → Negative choice
• Always followed by singular noun
• With "of" → takes singular verb
Exam Tips:
1. Identify if noun is countable or uncountable first.
2. Check positive/negative meaning for few/little.
3. For two items/people → use either/neither.
4. Each/every always with singular noun + singular verb.
5. Some for positives, any for questions/negatives.
📝 Practice Quantifiers & Distributive Determiners
Test your understanding with our 25-question worksheet!
Go to Quantifiers WorksheetIncludes answer key • Many/Much • Few/Little • Each/Every • Either/Neither • Error Correction
