a few orchids vs. few orchids

[Nandhini_Devi]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #214 "Adverbs of Quantity (1)", question 4

I only have a ......... orchids. However, I want to buy more in the future.

(a) some
(b) few
(c) fewer
(d) lesser

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #214 "Adverbs of Quantity (1)", answer 4

I only have a few orchids. However, I want to buy more in the future.

Correct answer: (b) few

Your answer was: incorrect
I only have a fewer orchids. However, I want to buy more in the future.
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Hi,
Any body please explain why fewer is not applicable?
And also please tell difference between much,many,lot,few,some,any?

[Torsten]

'Fewer' doesn't work if it's preceded by the article 'a'.

TOEIC listening, question-response: How about some sushi?

[Nandhini_Devi]

[Anglophile]

[quote="Nandhini_Devi"]
And also please tell difference between much,many,lot,few,some,any?
Yes, Nandhini, here it goes:

Much > goes with uncount nouns;
e.g. There is not much sugar in the jar.
much - more - most (positive, comparative and superlative forms/degrees respectively)

Many > goes with count nouns;
e.g. There are many jars in the kitchen.
many - more - most (positive, comparative and superlative forms/degrees respectively)

Lot > refers to the whole number or the whole quantity. It usually appears in a phrasal form like a lot, a lot of and lots of and can be used with both count and uncount nouns;

e.g. Thanks a lot, my dear friend. (Count - plural)
His health is a lot better now. (Uncount - adverbial)
She reads a lot of books. (Count)
We had a lot of fun at the party yesterday. (Uncount)
Lots of tourists visit the Taj Mahal every year. (Count)
I send this greeting to you with lots of love. (Uncount)

Few > means 'not many'; it is count, plural and semi negative.
A few > some; it is positive.

e.g. He has few friends probably because he is an introvert.

Some > means 'a few' or 'a little'. It is both count and uncount.

e.g. Some members were absent from the meeting. (Count)
Some oil is left in the can. (Uncount)

Any > used as singular or plural.

e.g. Is there any student in the class? (Singular)
He does not have any suggestions to offer. (Plural)
_________________
Anglophile
I know only one thing - that is that I know nothing.

[Nandhini_Devi]

Awesome reply Lawrence!!!!!!!!!!!!!