Differences between Much and Many
-Much- and -Many- are two words that in the English language determine quantity. Both terms tend to lead to confusion in terms of their use, since both mean -a lot- in Spanish but they differ in terms of their application. In this sense, in this article we will see in which situations each of them is used, so that readers can know in detail what type of sentences each of them is used for.
much
Basically, -Much- is a word from the English language that translated into Spanish means -a lot-. This is used when talking about a singular noun, that is, it is used for things that can be counted, which are called countable nouns. These nouns can be used with a number and have both singular and plural forms.
Thus, when referring to a singular noun, the word -Much- should be used. On the other hand, in everyday language, the word -Much- is generally used to ask questions. Likewise, -Much- is used in negative sentences and in contrast, with positive clauses, -Much- is used with the words -so- and -too-.
Examples:
- The newspaper has much information singular noun.
- I have much luggage countable noun.
- Is there much milk in that bottle? (Is there a lot of milk in that bottle?) question mark.
- There wasn’t much juice in the fridge Negative statement.
- I have so much work tonight (I have a lot of work tonight) Positive clause (so).
- John worries too much (John worries too much) Positive clause (too).
Many
It can be said that -Many- is another word of the English language that translated into Spanish means a lot. This is used when talking about a plural noun and it is also used for things that cannot be counted, called uncountable nouns, which can only be used in the singular and cannot be used with a number.
Therefore, when referring to a plural noun, the word –Many- must be used. Additionally, in everyday language, the word -Many- is often used to ask questions and in negative sentences. In contrast, with positive clauses -Many- is used with the word -as-.
Examples:
- She has many books (She has many books) Plural noun.
- I have many coins (I have many coins) uncountable noun.
- How much money did you spend last night? (How much money did you spend last night?) Question mark.
- Many people don’t know about my past (Many people do not know my past) negative phrase.
- She has as many shoes as i do (She has as many shoes as I do) Positive clause (as).
As can be seen, the differences between -Much- and -Many- have to do with their applications and uses. Consequently, we have to:
- -Much- is used with singular nouns while -Many- is used with plural nouns.
- -Much- is used with countable nouns while -Many- is used with uncountable nouns.
- With positive clauses –Much- is used with the words –so- and –too- while -Many- is used with the word –as- in positive clauses.