The first sentence is the more common way to talk about an uncountable noun such as time. Read on to find out how to use quantifiers with different kinds of nouns.

Much, A lot of, and little

The above words are examples of quantifiers, or words that help us talk about quantity. They are used differently depending on the type of noun. Use much with uncountable nouns (also called mass nouns). These nouns usually don’t have a plural form, take a singular verb, and often refer to substances, feelings, or abstract ideas.

Much and a lot of

Much is also more natural in questions and negatives. However, you can use a lot of in all types of sentences and questions.

Examples:

• I don’t have much time. (also: I don’t have a lot of time.)

• Do you have much free time this weekend? (also: Do you have a lot of time this weekend?)

• I have a lot of time this weekend.

Little

Use little when you don’t have much of uncountable nouns.

Examples:

• I have little money at the moment.

• She has little information about the topic.

Many, A lot of, and Few

Use many, a lot of, and few with countable nouns. Countable nouns are noun that you can count individually. They have singular and plural forms.

Many and A lot of

It is common to use either many or a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences, and questions.

Example:

• I have many friends in my hometown. (also: I have a lot of friends in my hometown.)

Few

Use few to express that you don’t have many things.

Examples:

• I have few friends here.

• She has few answers to the problem.

A little and a few

When „a“ is added to little and few, the meaning changes. Look at the below examples. How do they differ in meaning?

Examples:

• Sure I can help you – I have a little time.

• I’m sorry, I can’t help you – I have little time.

• I’m afraid we’ve got a few problems with the new computer.

• We are lucky that we have few problems with the new computer.