Count objects when you need a quantity.

The idea

Use how many before a plural countable noun. Follow it with a question, such as How many apples do you need? Answer with a number.

Examples

  • How many books are on the shelf?
  • There are four books.
  • How many apples do you need?
  • I need two apples.
  • How many chairs are in the kitchen?
  • There is one chair.

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Watch out

Do not use how much with countable plural nouns. An answer of one takes a singular noun.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. How ___ pens are in the box? (many / much)

    Show answer or example answer

    many

    many asks for a count of pens.

  2. Choose the correct option. How many ___ do you see? (birds / bird)

    Show answer or example answer

    birds

    birds is the plural noun after the question phrase.

  3. Choose the correct option. There ___ one ticket. (is / are)

    Show answer or example answer

    is

    is agrees with one ticket.

Use it today

Ask about two groups of objects and answer each question.