A Guide to Quantitative Adjectives
Adjectives add color and detail to our language, but some of the most important ones don’t describe quality—they describe quantity. These are known as quantitative adjectives, and they answer crucial questions like “how much?” and “how many?”. While the concept seems simple, the rules governing their use with different types of nouns can be tricky. This guide will explore the different types of quantitative adjectives and how to use them correctly to make your writing more precise.
She has many books on her shelf. (Correct with countable noun)
There is little sugar left in the bowl. (Correct with uncountable noun)
There is much books on the shelf. (Incorrect: ‘much’ is for uncountable nouns)
I have many homework to do. (Incorrect: ‘homework’ is uncountable)
What are quantitative adjectives?
Quantitative adjectives are words that modify nouns by indicating their number or quantity. They are essential for specifying amounts and are a cornerstone of descriptive language. These adjectives can be used with both countable nouns (like books, chairs, or dogs) and uncountable nouns (like water, information, or money). While the name implies “quantity,” these adjectives can denote both exact numbers and general amounts.
Types of quantitative adjectives
Quantitative adjectives can be broadly divided into three main categories: those that denote an exact number (Definite Numerical), those that give an approximate amount (Indefinite Numerical), and those that refer to individual members of a group (Distributive Numerical).
1. Definite Numerical Adjectives
As the name suggests, these adjectives specify a precise number or order. They are used exclusively with countable nouns. This category is further divided into two types:
Cardinals: These are the numbers we use for counting. They tell us “how many.”
(e.g., one, two, ten, fifty, one hundred)
There are seven days in a week.
She bought three new dresses for the event.
Ordinals: These numbers indicate the order or position of something in a series. They tell us “in what order.”
(e.g., first, second, tenth, last, next)
This is the third time I have called you today.
He was the last person to leave the building.
2. Indefinite Numerical Adjectives
These adjectives do not denote an exact number but rather give a more general or approximate idea of quantity. They are the most common type of quantitative adjective and can often be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
| Adjective | Example Sentence |
| all | All the students passed the exam. |
| any | Do you have any questions? |
| enough | There isn’t enough time to finish. |
| few | Only a few people attended the meeting. |
| little | There is very little hope of success. |
| many | She has many friends from around the world. |
| much | I don’t have much money with me. |
| some | Would you like some coffee? |
3. Distributive Numerical Adjectives
These adjectives refer to each individual member of a group separately. They are always followed by a singular countable noun.
- Each: Refers to every individual in a group, considered one by one. (e.g., Each student received a certificate.)
- Every: Refers to all members of a group together. (e.g., Every ticket was sold out.)
- Either: Refers to one of two options. (e.g., You can take either road to get there.)
- Neither: Refers to not one and not the other of two options. (e.g., Neither answer is correct.)
Degrees of Comparison
Many indefinite quantitative adjectives have comparative and superlative forms, just like descriptive adjectives. These are crucial for making comparisons of quantity.
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
| many (for countable nouns) | more | most |
| much (for uncountable nouns) | more | most |
| few (for countable nouns) | fewer | fewest |
| little (for uncountable nouns) | less | least |
One of the most common grammar mistakes is confusing “fewer” and “less.” Use fewer for things you can count (e.g., “fewer apples”) and less for things you can’t (e.g., “less sugar”).
Examples of Quantitative Adjectives in Sentences
| Adjective | Sentences |
|---|---|
| Definite |
There are twenty-four hours in a day. She won the first prize in the competition. We need two more volunteers for the event. |
| Indefinite |
I have several tasks to complete before lunch. There was enough food for everyone at the party. Most people enjoy a good movie. |
Practice: Quantitative Adjectives
There are ______ students in the library than there were yesterday.
Could I have ______ water, please?
She finished ______ in the race and won a silver medal.
I don’t have ______ time to help you right now.
______ guest at the party received a small gift.
FAQs
A quantitative adjective is a word that modifies a noun by indicating a number or quantity. It answers the questions “how much?” or “how many?”.
A definite quantitative adjective specifies an exact number or order (e.g., “three,” “first”). An indefinite quantitative adjective provides a general or approximate amount (e.g., “some,” “many,” “several”).
A distributive adjective refers to each individual member of a group separately. The main ones are “each,” “every,” “either,” and “neither,” and they are always followed by a singular noun.
No, “many” is used with countable nouns (e.g., “many chairs”). For uncountable nouns, you should use “much” (e.g., “much traffic”).
Sources
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Merriam-Webster, Definition of “Quantitative”.
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Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, “Adjectives”.
Yash, D. "How to Use Quantitative Adjectives (Explained & Worksheet)." Grammarflex, Aug 6, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/quantitative-adjectives/.
