Today, in #4 of the Top 15 Fixes series, we discuss using the words ‘much’ and ‘many’ when discussing quantities!
It’s important to think of the meaning of the words much and many, and how each is used differently in counting.
If you’re counting something as a mass that can be spilled on the table so that it goes everywhere, you would use the word ‘much’. Examples include:
- Grainy or powdery substances like sugar or flour
- Liquids, semi-liquids or semi-solids like milk, honey or butter
- Money (when considered abstractly, as in “too much money”)
If you are counting individual pieces, use the word ‘many’. Examples include:
- Grains such as sugar counted individually
- Groups of items, like chocolate chips, marshmallows or berries
- Countable units, such as cups, teaspoons or bags
Roleplay
Aubrey and Lindsay are grocery shopping, and discussing amounts needed for a chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Lindsay: How much flour do we need?
Aubrey: The recipe calls for 2 cups, so that small bag will work.
Lindsay: Ok, perfect. And how many teaspoons of vanilla? I have a tiny bit left, but it might not be enough.
Aubrey: We need 2 teaspoons, so let’s buy a new bottle.
Lindsay: This recipe calls for both baking powder and baking soda, right?
Aubrey: Yes. How much of each?
Lindsay: It looks like 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Aubrey: You probably have salt, right? How much do we need?
Lindsay: Just 1 teaspoon. Yes, I have plenty of salt at my place.
Aubrey: Ok, so just chocolate chips. How many do we need?
Lindsay: 2 cups, so one bag should do it.
Aubrey: We’re all set- let’s go make cookies!
Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:
- Episode 165: Listen or Hear?
- Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say?
- Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope
- Episode 177: Talking About Age in English
- Episode 181: Future Tense in English
- Episode 185: Interested or Interesting?
- Episode 189: Talking About the Past
- Episode 193: How to Borrow Money
- Episode 197: Who Pays for Lunch?
- Episode 201: Will vs. Going To
- Episode 205: Talking about People
Do you have any examples for using much and many in your baking or cooking?
Share with us in the comments section below!
