Language Practice

Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 09 Culture and language

Using determiners and quantifiers
Determiners are words that come before a noun or noun phrase.
Examples of determiners are:
• much
• many
• some
• any
• a few
We use many, a few, several, a number of and hundreds / thousands of with
countable nouns.
There are several rooms available in this hotel.
We use much, a little, a great deal of and a large quantity of with
uncountable nouns.
It took a great deal of effort to complete the project, but I got it done with
a little help.
We can use a lot of, lots of, some, any and enough with countable and
uncountable nouns.
There are lots of young professionals in this town.
There’s not a lot of public transport here.

All, each and every

We use all, each, and every to talk about more than two things. We can, however,
sometimes use each to talk about just two things.
All reviews said the film was terrible, but each of my flatmates liked it.
All is used with plural nouns.
All paperback books are on sale for 30% off.
You can also use all the or all of the.
All the people in the audience cheered.
All of the people in the audience cheered.
Every and each are used with singular nouns.
I read every book that he recommended.
I read each book that he recommended.

Both, either and neither

We use both, either and neither to talk about two people or things. Both is used with plural
nouns.
Both boys enjoyed jumping on the trampoline.
Neither of the twins wanted to play on the swings.

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 Language Practice
Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 09

Culture and language (continued)
Before a determiner (the, my, these …) we can use both or both of.
Both these trophies were won by my brother.
Both of these trophies were won by my brother.
When we use a pronoun (them, us, you …), we must use both of.
Both of us enjoyed watching the match.
I love those two jackets. I want to buy both of them.
Either and neither are used with a singular noun.
I am available Wednesday and Thursday. Either date is fine by me.
Sorry, I am not available Monday or Friday. Neither one will work for me.
When we use a plural pronoun or a plural noun with a determiner (the, my, or these …),
we use either of or neither of.
She will accept either of these offers.
Neither of the dresses fits me.

We use either … or and neither … nor when there are two nouns.
I would like to order either the purple t-shirt or the pink one.
Neither Richard nor Arielle wants to buy the tickets.