ADVANCED GRAMMAR: DETERMINERS & QUANTIFIERS

Rules & Syntax

How to Identify Determiners & Quantifiers

A 3-Step Guide to Identification

1. 1. Find the Noun: First, locate the main person, place, thing, or idea in the phrase.
2. 2. Look at the Word(s) Before the Noun: Check for specific pointer/quantity words right before the noun (or before its adjectives).
3. 3. Ask a Function Question:
   • Does it answer **"Which one?"** (e.g., `the`, `this`, `my`) → It's a specifying determiner.
   • Does it answer **"How many?"** (e.g., `many`, `five`, `a few`) → It's a quantifier for a countable noun.
   • Does it answer **"How much?"** (e.g., `much`, `a little`) → It's a quantifier for an uncountable noun.

100 Examples of Determiners & Quantifiers

Articles

1. I need a new pen.
2. She is an honest person.
3. The sun is shining brightly.
4. Can you pass me the book on the table?
5. He is a university student.
6. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
7. He is the tallest boy in the class.
8. She saw a cat in the garden.
9. It was an honor to meet you.
10. The Himalayas are a mountain range.

Demonstratives

11. This car is mine.
12. That house across the street is for sale.
13. These shoes are very comfortable.
14. Those mountains look beautiful from here.
15. I prefer this book to that one.
16. Can you see that bird in the tree?
17. Are these keys yours?
18. He hasn't been the same since that accident.
19. These are the best days of our lives.
20. Please take those papers off my desk.

Possessives

21. Where is your homework?
22. My car is parked outside.
23. The dog wagged its tail.
24. The students submitted their assignments.
25. This is her favorite color.
26. I met his brother yesterday.
27. Our team won the match.
28. The company announced its profits.
29. Is this John's book or your book?
30. We must protect our environment.

Quantifiers: Many vs. Much

31. There are many people at the concert.
    (Countable noun: people)
32. I don't have much time left.
    (Uncountable noun: time)
33. How many pages have you read?
    (Countable noun: pages)
34. How much sugar do you need?
    (Uncountable noun: sugar)
35. She has many friends.
36. He doesn't show much interest.
37. Many of the candidates were qualified.
38. There isn't much traffic today.
39. He has visited many countries.
40. Too much noise can damage your hearing.

Quantifiers: Some vs. Any

41. I need to buy some groceries.
    (Positive statement)
42. I don't have any questions.
    (Negative statement)
43. Do you have any suggestions?
    (Question)
44. Would you like some coffee?
    (Offer)
45. There is some milk in the fridge.
46. She doesn't want any help.
47. Is there any news?
48. Can I have some water, please?
    (Request)
49. Some people disagree with the new policy.
50. He left without leaving any message.

Quantifiers: Few / A few / The few

51. He is a man of few words.
    (Negative: almost none)
52. I have a few friends who can help.
    (Positive: a small number)
53. The few friends he has are very loyal.
    (Specific small group)
54. Few people understand the true meaning.
55. She will be back in a few minutes.
56. He was sad because he had few supporters.
57. I would like to ask a few questions.
58. The few employees who were present supported the manager.
59. Few cities in the world can match its beauty.
60. We need a few more volunteers.

Quantifiers: Little / A little / The little

61. There is little hope of survival.
    (Negative: almost none)
62. There is a little milk left in the jug.
    (Positive: a small amount)
63. He spent the little money he had.
    (Specific small amount)
64. I have little time for hobbies.
65. Add a little salt to the soup.
66. He showed little concern for her feelings.
67. We have a little time before the train leaves.
68. The little knowledge he had of the subject was not enough.
69. There was little traffic on the roads this morning.
70. She has a little interest in politics.

Quantifiers: Each vs. Every

71. Each student was given a different task.
    (Individual members of a group)
72. Every citizen has a right to vote.
    (All members of a group together)
73. Each of the two brothers received a prize.
    ('Each' can be used for two or more.)
74. I have read every book in this library.
    ('Every' refers to all in a group of three or more.)
75. The manager spoke to each employee individually.
76. Every seat in the theater was occupied.
77. Each of the players did their best.
78. Every time I see her, she is smiling.
79. Give one candy to each child.
80. I brush my teeth every morning.

Other Quantifiers & Interrogatives

81. All the students passed the exam.
82. There was no sugar left.
83. Both answers are correct.
84. You can take either road.
85. Neither statement is true.
86. Is there enough food for everyone?
87. I have visited several countries in Europe.
88. She wants another piece of cake.
89. Most people enjoy music.
90. He ate the whole pizza.
91. I have visited a lot of places.
92. There is a lack of evidence.
93. A couple of friends are coming over.
94. She has a number of good ideas.
95. He has a great deal of patience.
96. Which book do you want?
    (Interrogative Determiner)
97. What time is it?
    (Interrogative Determiner)
98. Whose car is this?
    (Interrogative Determiner)
99. What beautiful weather!
    (Exclamatory Determiner)
100. There are plenty of opportunities.