Choose a quantity word to match the noun you are talking about.

The idea

Use many with plural countable nouns: How many tickets? Use much with uncountable nouns: How much water? Both are common in questions and negatives. A lot of works with both kinds of noun and is common in positive statements: a lot of questions, a lot of tea.

Examples

  • How many tickets do we need?
  • How much water is in the bottle?
  • There are many trees in this park.
  • We do not have much time.
  • I have a lot of questions.
  • She drinks a lot of tea.

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Watch out

Do not use many with uncountable water. Nouns can change meaning and countability in different contexts, so learn them with examples.

Try it yourself

  1. How ___ tickets do you need? (many / much)

    Show answer or example answer

    many

    Tickets are countable plural, so use many.

  2. How ___ water is there? (much / many)

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    much

    Water is uncountable here, so use much.

  3. I have a lot ___ questions. (of / for)

    Show answer or example answer

    of

    Use of after a lot before a noun.

Use it today

Ask one question about a countable item and one about an uncountable substance. Answer each with a lot of.