Quantifiers

Quantifiers

1. Each, every and either

   • Same meaning
     • Each
       • When all the people or things it refers to are seen individually.
         • Example
           • Each day is different.
     • Every
       • Is used use to refer to all the people or things.
         • Example
           • I go to school everyday except sunday.
   • Either is used when we want to refer to one thing or another
     • Example
       • I'll see you on either saturday or sunday.
         • Tea or coffee? I don't mind. Either is find.

2. Both

   • Means the two
     • Example
       • Do you prefer tea or coffee? I like them both.
   • Means one another
     • Example
       • I like both tea and coffee.

3. Few and a few

   • Are followed by a plural noun.
     • Few has a negative meaning
       • Few friends wanted to come to the cinema with me. It was a shame.
     • A few has a neutral or positive meaning.
       • Example
         • I went to the cinema with a few friends.

4. Little and a little

   • Are followed by an uncountable noun.
     • Little has a negatve meaning
       • Example
         • Sam works very hard and has little time with his friends.
     • A little has a neutral or positive meaning
       • I have a little time this evening. I can help you with your homework then

5. Many and much

   • Much is followed by an uncountable noun
     • Example
       • I haven't got much money.
   • Many is followed by a countable noun.
     • Example
       • There aren't many students in the classroom.

6. All, most, some, any and no

   • Can be followed by either countable or uncountable nouns.
     • Example
       • Most people here have no free time at the weekend
       • Some books are missing, but all CDs are here.

7. Most quantifiers can be followed by of

   • Example
     • A few of my friends came to the party.
     • All of the milk has been drunk.

8. Every one and none followed with of

   • When we use no and every one with of, they change to none and every one. We use a plural noun with every one.
     • Example
       • Every one of the students passed the exam. None of them failed.
   • In informal style, we usea plural verb with none. In formal style we use a singular verb.
     • Examples
       • None of my friends were there. (Informal)
       • None of my friends was there. (Formal)