Grammar: Flexible Quantifiers
A2 Lesson 18: Using 'some', 'any', 'a lot of', & 'no'
The 'Flexible' Quantifiers
Some quantifiers only work with countable nouns (like 'many') and some only work with uncountable nouns (like 'much'). But today, we learn four very useful quantifiers that are flexible—they work with BOTH types of nouns!
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Use Flexible Quantifiers
| Quantifier | Use Case (Sentence Type) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| some | Positive (+) | I need some water. (U) She bought some books. (C) |
| any | Negative (-) & Question (?) | I don't have any money. (U) Are there any chairs? (C) |
| a lot of | Positive (+) Large Amount | There is a lot of traffic. (U) There are a lot of tourists. (C) |
| no | Negative Meaning (Zero) (Use with a positive verb) |
There is no sugar. (U) I have no brothers. (C) |
In Conversation
Let's see how these words are used in a café here in Siem Reap.
You: Hello, I'd like some coffee, please.
Barista: Of course. Do you need any sugar?
You: No, thank you. I have no sugar in my coffee. Wow, there are a lot of people here today!
Barista: Yes, we have a lot of business in the morning. I'm sorry, there are no empty tables right now.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Quantifier
Complete the sentences with 'some' or 'any'.
- I need to buy ___ new shoes.
→ some - Are there ___ good restaurants near here?
→ any - I'm sorry, we don't have ___ mangoes today.
→ any - She gave me ___ good advice.
→ some - He doesn't want ___ help with his project.
→ any
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
At the Market
Imagine you are at Phsar Leu market. Write a short, three-line conversation between a customer and a seller using 'some' and 'any'. Use the example below to help you.
Example:
Customer: Hello, do you have any fresh crabs?
Seller: Yes, I have some very nice crabs today.
Customer: Great! I will take some, please.
Key Vocabulary
- Quantifier A word that expresses an amount or quantity (e.g., some, many, a lot of).
- Flexible Able to be used in different ways easily.