How many and how much

[Anonymous]

Could someone please tell me how to explain to a foreigner in a simple manner, the difference between How many and How much?
I would be very grateful.

[RonBee]

Use how many with count nouns and how much with noncount nouns.

[Pat]

I always tell my students that we use "how much" for uncountable nouns, that nouns that we can´t count. An good tip is that "how mUch" is for Uncountable. :)

[RonBee]

I always tell my students that we use "how much" for uncountable nouns, that nouns that we can´t count. An good tip is that "how mUch" is for Uncountable. :)

That is a good one. :D

Here are a couple of lists of example usages.

how many

• apples
  oranges
  bananas
  peanuts
  glasses
  bottles
  cups
  dollar bills
  coins
  papers
  questions
  answers
  wishes

how much

• water
  milk
  beer
  love
  energy
  equipment
  desire
  money
  information
  air

What do you think?

:)

Welcome to our friendly forum!

[Pat]

I think they are wonderful examples. Oh, I usually ask my students:
"Can I count water?"
"No, we can count glass of water"

"Can I count money?"
"No, we can count Dollars, Euros, Reais..."

Thanks for the welcome!!! :wink:

I think it´s a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas!

[RonBee]

Some nouns are count nouns sometimes and noncount nouns other times. Example:

• I would like some orange juice.

In that sentence, juice is a noncount noun. The person is expressing a desire for some juice.

Example:

• When I go to the store, I like to get some juices.

In that sentence, juice is a count noun. When the person says some juices he is talking about cans or bottles of juice (possibly different kinds).

:)

[RonBee]

Some nouns are count nouns sometimes and noncount nouns other times. Example:

• I would like some orange juice.

In that sentence, juice is a noncount noun. The person is expressing a desire for some juice.

Example:

• When I go to the store, I like to get some juices.

In that sentence, juice is a count noun. When the person says some juices he is talking about cans or bottles of juice (possibly different kinds).

:)