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Some and any

	Some	Any
Similarities	used when we don’t know the amount used with both countable and uncountable nouns Please give me some apples. I don’t have any free paper to share.
Differences	Used in positive sentences She’s earned some money by working as a waitress. Used in questions when offering/ requesting Would you like some coffee?	Used in negative sentences and questions She doesn’t eat any fish. She hates fish. Is there any milk in the fridge?

Much and many

	Much	Many
Similarities	Used to show an amount of something Used with a noun or without a noun Used in all positive, negative sentences and questions She has many stories to tell us. There are not enough bananas left. Don’t take so many. How many people are there in your family? Drinking too much alcohol will harm your health. How much does it cost?
Differences	Used with singular uncountable nouns I don’t have much money. You should drink much water. Hurry up! We don’t have much time left.	Used with plural (countable) nouns Many journalists are here today. There are many rules we have to follow in class. I need to buy many things to prepare for the birthday party.

A lot of and lots of

"A lot of" and "lots of" are used similarly.

Used in informal styles
Used with both plural countable or singular uncountable nouns
Used in all positive, negative sentences and questions

I bought a lot of/ lots of presents for him.
My little hamster eats a lot of/ lots of cheese.
Harry didn’t know a lot of/ lots of English words.
My baby sister drinks a lot of/ lots of milk every day.
Have you answered a lot of/ lots of questions?

Few, a few and little, a little

A few, a little mean some.
Few, little (without article “a”) mean not as much/ many as expected or not enough. They have negative meanings.
Few, a few: used with countable plural nouns.
Little, a little: used with uncountable nouns.

Few and a few	Explanation
There are a few people attending the meeting.	Meaning: some, a small number The noun goes after “a few” is people: countable, plural noun.
There are very few people attending the meeting.	Meaning: not many as expected/ almost none. The noun goes after “few” is people: countable, plural noun.
Little and a little	Explanation
The kids pay a little attention to the lessons.	Meaning: some, a small amount The noun goes after “a little” is attention: uncountable noun.
The kids pay very little attention to the lessons.	Meaning: not much/ almost none The noun goes after “little” is attention: uncountable noun.

More examples

He has a few friends. He’s not a sociable person.
He has few friends. He’s a lonely person.
I have a little money. I can buy a small toy with this amount.
I have little money. It isn’t enough to buy anything.

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