English uses different quantifiers depending on whether a noun is countable (things you can count: books, ideas) or uncountable (things you cannot: water, advice). Using the wrong quantifier is one of the most common grammar mistakes.
3 subtopics — pick one to start practising
Few & Little — Small Quantities
Use few and a few with countable nouns; use little and a little with uncountable nouns. Without "a", they carry a negative meaning (there is not enough). With "a", the meaning is more positive (there is some, which is enough). "Few friends" suggests loneliness; "a few friends" suggests contentment.
Many & Much — Large Quantities
Use many with countable nouns and much with uncountable nouns. Both are typically used in questions and negative sentences. In positive sentences, "a lot of" sounds more natural in informal contexts: "I have a lot of work" rather than "I have much work".
Some, A Lot Of & More — Both Types
Some, a lot of (lots of), and more can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. "Some" suggests an unspecified but meaningful amount. "A lot of" suggests a large quantity. "More" is comparative — it signals an increase from a previous amount.