How much and How many are some of the most common quantifiers in the English language. A quantifier is a determiner, pronoun, or phrase that refers to a noun to show the amount or quantity.
Both much and many mean "a large amount of" or "a lot of." When asking about the quantity or amount of something, you should ask a question starting with How much or How many. Here is how to choose which one to use:
How much?
Rule 1: You should use How much with uncountable nouns when describing the quantity or amount.
Uncountable nouns are a cover term for things that cannot be separated or counted. These include ideas, concepts, substances, materials, names for groups of things or collections, etc.
Example
Explanation
How much time do we have before the movie starts?
Time is an uncountable noun, so you should use How much.
Note: If the verb to be is used with an uncountable noun, it should be singular.
Rule 2: You can use How much to ask about the price of something. In this case, you can use How much with both uncountable and countable nouns (the same for plural and singular).
Example
Explanation
How much is for this painting? / How much is for these paintings?
Painting is a countable noun in the singular form, so when asking for the price of one painting, you can use How much. Similarly, if you want to know the price of several paintings - a countable noun in the plural form - you should also use How much.
How many?
Rule 3: You should use How many only with plural countable nouns when you want to know the quantity of something.
Example
Explanation
How many days are there in the week?
Days is a plural countable noun, so you should start a question with How many.
Quiz
1/4
Complete the question. How ___ milk is in the fridge?
0
correct answers.