This document discusses the use of quantifiers and measure words in spoken and written English. It provides examples of informal and formal quantifiers used in conversations versus academic writing. In speaking, quantifiers like "a lot", "a few", and informal measure words like "tons" and "bunch" are used. In academic writing, more precise quantifiers such as "many", "some", and formal measure words like "a great deal of" are preferred to avoid overly broad generalizations. The document also notes we sometimes use imprecise language in conversations due to time constraints, whereas writing allows for more accurate quantification.

1. Section A

2. In speaking, we often give a short response
using a quantifier.
A: Did we get any phone calls?
We can use a quantifier alone.
B: Yeah, a lot.

3. We can also use a quantifier with of + a pronoun.
A: Did you talk to your friends today?
We can use much, not much, not very much, many, not
many or not very many.
A: Do you have a lot of homework tonight?
B: A few of them.
B: No, not much. I did a lot of it yesterday.

4. A: Were there a lot of people on the bus?
We can use a few, just a little, very few, or
very little.
A: Do you want more coffee?
We can use too much, not too much, too many, or not
too many.
Too usually means “more than you want.”
B: No, not too many.
B: Just a little, please.

5. Section B

6. In everyday conversation, you will sometimes
hear informal measure words + of to describe
large amounts.
I’m afraid I can’t help you. I have tons of work
to do!
He made a bunch of promises last year.
INFORMAL MEASURE WORDS IN SPEAKING

7. Informal measure words + of used to describe large
amounts include:
bunch(es)
heap(s)
hundreds
loads
mountain(s)
pile(s)
ton(s)
lot(s)
INFORMAL MEASURE WORDS IN SPEAKING

8. There are also a few informal measure words +
of that mean a small amount.
Just a handful of people came to the lecture.
Can I give you a little bit of advice?
INFORMAL MEASURE WORDS IN SPEAKING

9. In more formal contexts, such as academic
writing, we use more formal quantifiers.
There are many advantages to having a cell phone.
(NOT: There are a bunch of advantages…)
USING MEASURE WORDS IN ACADEMIC WRITING

10. We also use more formal measure words + of
such as a great deal of, a large amount of, a
number of, or a large number of.
The board did not spend a great deal of
time considering the issues.
(NOT: The board didn’t spend a lot of time…)

11. Section C

12. In speaking, we sometimes make general
statements that aren’t entirely true or accurate.
This is because we usually do not have time to
plan what we are going to say in conversation.
American classrooms are quite informal.
Everyone feels free to interrupt and ask
questions. This is difficult for international
students.
(This is not true for All American
classrooms or all international students.)

13. In academic writing, we often need to quantify
our statements to make them more accurate.
Many American classrooms are quite
informal. Most students feel free to
interrupt and ask questions. This is
difficult for some international
students.
We can use quantifiers like some, most, and many to
avoid making statements that are too general.