Using how much and how many

Using how much and how many

1. How much:

   • Used with countless things
   • When should you use “much”? "Much" is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a lot. It is used in negative sentences and questions.
     • I don’t have much time now
   • When should you use "much"? "Much" is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a lot. It is used in negative sentences and questions.
     • There is much pollution in most cities. There is A LOT OF pollution in most cities. ✔

2. How many

   • Used with accounting things
   • "Many" is used with countable nouns to indicate a lot. It is used in negative sentences and questions. Unlike "much", it can also be used in affirmative sentences.
     • There aren’t many pictures on the wall
     • Are there many chairs in the room?
     • Perú has many natural resources

3. Countable nouns can be used with a number and have plural and singular forms. Uncountable nouns can only be used in the singular and cannot be used with a number.

4. When should "a lot of" be used?

   • "A lot of" is used with both countable and uncountable nouns to indicate a lot of quantity. The difference with "much" and "many" is that "a lot of" is almost always used in affirmative sentences.
     • There are a lot of pictures on the wall
     • I have a lot of homework

5. When should "(a) few" be used?

   • "A few" and "few" are used with countable plural nouns to indicate little quantity. The difference between the two expressions is that "a few" (a few / a few) implies that the amount is small, but sufficient, that is, it is a positive idea. However, “few” (few / few) indicates that the quantity is small and insufficient, thus it implies a negative observation.
     • I have a few friends. – There are few books in the library

6. ¿Cuándo se debe usar “(a) little”?

   • "A little" and "little" are used with uncountable nouns to indicate little quantity. As in the previous case, the difference between both expressions is that "a little" (a little / a little) implies that the quantity is small, but sufficient, that is, it is a positive idea, while "little" ( little / little) indicates that the quantity is small and insufficient, so it implies a negative idea.
     • I have a little free time today. – We have little money this month