1. lots/a lot of + plural countable and uncountable nouns (informal)
– I’ve got lots/a lot of homework, so I can’t go out.
– I’ve got lots/a lot of brothers and sisters.
2. much + uncountable nouns
– We don’t have much homework.
– How much money do you need?
3. many + plural countable nouns
– How many bags have you got?
– There are many interesting places in the world.
4. little, a little, a bit of + uncountable nouns
a) a little, a bit of means at least some
– Just a little rice, please – not too much.
– I’ve got a bit of money, but not enough to get a taxi.
b) little without a means almost none. This can be emphasised with very
– This government has done very little to improve the situation.
5. few, a few + plural countable nouns (= some but not many)
a) Before few you can use
The indefinite article a
– There were quite a few people in the room.
– There were only a few people staying at the hotel.
The last, the first, the next, every
– Over the next few weeks, we have a lot to get ready.
– For the first few minutes, you may feel a bit nervous.
– I phone her every few days.
b) When few is used without a, it means almost no. This can be emphasised with very
– (Very) few people know the secret.
6. some + uncountable nouns and plural nouns (= between a little and a lot)
– There’s some useful information on that website.
– There are some good scenes in that film.
Note: If some is stressed in speaking, it often means not many.
– I suppose he’s written some good books.
7. hardly any + uncountable nouns and plural countable nouns
– There were hardly any customers in the shop.
8. no, not any + uncountable nouns are plural countable nouns
– There was no milk left. / There wasn’t any milk left.
– There were no students on the bus. / There weren’t any students on the bus.