When do we use much and when do we use many?

[deeptii]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #52 "Much, many, a lot, lots", question 10

Do you have ......... ants in your house?

(a) much
(b) many
(c) a lot
(d) very

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #52 "Much, many, a lot, lots", answer 10

Do you have many ants in your house?

Correct answer: (b) many

Your answer was: incorrect
Do you have much ants in your house?
_________________________

many is used for countable things, does ants are countable?
why we use much why not many?
please explain.

deepti

[Torsten]

You are right deepti, the word ant is countable, which means it has a plural form (ants) and therefore the correct answer is many ants.

TOEIC listening, question-response: Where did you get that outfit?

[English Teacher]

hi,
even ant a countable noun but (do you think that we can count them?!)
with regards.
english teacher
_________________
" If you live, live freely OR Die like trees
Standing"

[Arigirl]

Hi
I would like to know the difference betwin "a lot " and "many"
thanks

[Adelineseow]

Why I can't use a lot of , what is difference between a lot of and many, both are countable. Thank you.

[Beeesneees]

You could use 'a lot of', but this is not an option in the test. There is no 'of'. 'Do you have a lot ants'... is incorrect.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Maniss]

Hi

I agree that we can say: "There is one ant." or "There are 2 ants."
But it isn't really countable after all, is it?

[Our Tort System]

[Maniss]

see, when there are lots of this creature around, how can you count them?!
but, anyway, as this is another rule in Grammar of English, I think It's not worth it to discuss about it. Do you agree?

[Beeesneees]

You could count them given the time, inclination and energy. It's a simple as that. They can be numbered therefore they are classed as countable.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Maniss]

hmm,.. seems you're right!
thanks for your persuasive answer! ;)