Countable vs. uncountable nouns

[thipwon]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #80 "Some, any, few, little", question 3

How ......... money do you have?

(a) much
(b) more
(c) many
(d) often

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #80 "Some, any, few, little", answer 3

How much money do you have?

Correct answer: (a) much
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please explain

thipwon

[Daniela]

Dear learner,
As a rule we use many+counrable nouns and much+uncountable nouns.
MONEY is an uncountable noun, it has no plural form, that's why it is used with MUCH. Here are some other examples:
How much time...; How much sugar...; How much water..., etc.
Now compare (countable nouns):
How many minutes/ hours...; How many spoons of sugar...; How many glasses of water..., etc.
Daniela
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[Saima Shirani]

[Caroline]

Dear Thipwon,
What if we look at it this way...

If you are trying to say the amount of money you have in your wallet. What would you say?

I have one money or one dollar?
I have 20 moneys or 20 dollars?

Unless you are trying to say you have 20 different currencies (like 3 dollars + 20 reais+ 50 pounds= 3 moneys), the answer would be:

I have one dollar. or I have 20 dollars.

Therefore, money is uncountable and should be used with the word much. (unless you are talking about different currencies, of course :wink: )