08 - Quantifiers: Common Mistakes --> Real-World Example: Disney Song"When Will My Life Begin?" – Tangled

Short Summary of Quantifiers

Quantifiers are words that describe the amount or quantity of a noun. They help specify how much (for uncountable nouns) or how many (for countable nouns). Some quantifiers, like some, a lot of, and any, work with both count and noncount nouns. Others are specific: many, several, and a few for count nouns, and much, a little, and a bit of for noncount nouns. Using the correct quantifier ensures clarity in communication.

Disney Song Example

From Tangled – "When Will My Life Begin?"

> “A few new paintings to do”

Explanation:

The quantifier "a few" is used with the countable noun "paintings", meaning a small but sufficient number. This suggests Rapunzel has enough paintings to keep her busy, but not too many. If she had said "few", it would imply almost none, changing the meaning to a lack of paintings. This highlights how quantifiers affect meaning in English.