Specific references with quantifiers

If we need to be specific (i e point to particular items) we can follow a quantifier with of + a determiner (the this my) [> 3.1] Have some of this/a little of my wine (e g the wine in this bottle) / // lend you some of these/a few of my books (specified books)

In the same way we can make specific references with quantifiers which are always followed by of [> 5.5.1] by using determiners after them Compare

A lot of students missed my lecture yesterday (general reference) A lot of the students who missed my lecture yesterday want to borrow my notes (specific reference)

Note the following quantifiers which are always specific and which must therefore be followed by of + determiner

None of the/this milk can be used

Part of/The rest of this food will be for supper

Put the rest of those biscuits in the tin

Note the omission and use of of in How much is left? - None (of it) Part of it The rest of it How many are left? None (of them) Part of/The rest of them

The use of 'more' and 'less' after quantifiers

5.6.1 Quantifier + 'more'

More can be used after these quantifiers with plural countable nouns some any a couple dozens hundreds a few hardly any a lot lots many no numbers, plenty several weights, measures More can be used after these quantifiers with uncountable nouns some any a bit a good great deal hardly any a little a lot lots much no plenty weights

Quantifier + more combinations can be used as follows

- directly in front of nouns I'd like some more chips/milk

- before of + determiner Do you want some more of these chips? as pronouns / don t want any more thank you

5.6.2 Quantifier + 'less' [see also > 5.16.1]
Less can be used after these quantifiers with uncountable nouns an\
a bit a good great deal a little a lot lots much, as follows

Particular quantifiers and their uses

- directly in front of nouns Much less soup please

- before of + determiner /' d like much less of that soup

- as pronouns / want much less please

The use of '...left' and '...over' after quantifiers

left (= not consumed or remaining) and over (= more than is wanted) combine with many quantifiers whether they are used as determiners or pronouns Are there any sweets left? - I haven t got any left I m afraid We prepared too much food for the party and we had a lot over I thought we mightn't have enough pies but there s one over