Both much and many are used to talk about an indefinite quantity or number. Note that much is used before an uncountable noun. Many is used before a countable noun.
A countable noun refers to something that can be counted. Examples are: pen, book, man, flower etc.
An uncountable noun refers to something that cannot be counted. Examples are: rice, milk, oil, sand etc.
Complete the following sentences using much or many.
1How ............... mangoes are there in the basket?
Wrong!
Use "many" with the countable plural noun "mangoes".
2How ............... milk do you buy every day?
Wrong!
Use "much" with the uncountable noun "milk".
3How ............... peacocks are there in the zoo?
Wrong!
Use "many" with the countable plural noun "peacocks".
4How ............... meters of cloth do you need for your dress?
Wrong!
Use "many" with the countable plural phrase "meters of cloth".
5How ............... money did you pay for this course?
Wrong!
Use "much" with the uncountable noun "money".
6There are not ............... trees in the garden.
Wrong!
Use "many" with the countable plural noun "trees".
7There isn’t ............... oil in the bottle.
Wrong!
Use "much" with the uncountable noun "oil".
8He hasn’t got ............... friends.
Wrong!
Use "many" with the countable plural noun "friends".
9............... students did not take the examination.
Wrong!
Use "Many" with the countable plural noun "students".
10There isn’t ............... dirt on the table.
Wrong!
Use "much" with the uncountable noun "dirt".
Answers
- How many mangoes are there in the basket?
- How much milk do you buy every day?
- How many peacocks are there in the zoo?
- How many meters of cloth do you need for your dress?
- How much money did you pay for this course?
- There are not many trees in the garden.
- There isn’t much oil in the bottle.
- He hasn’t got many friends.
- Many students did not take the examination.
- There isn’t much dirt on the table.
