Many means a large number and goes with things you can count one by one; much means a large amount and goes with things you don't count: many books, much time. The same goes for questions: how many people, how much money. In positive statements in conversation, people usually say a lot of instead of much: We have a lot of time. Much is more common in questions, negatives and after too or so.
much or many — can you pick the right one?
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many + plural noun; much + uncountable noun; how many / how much + noun; too many / too much + noun; a lot of + both
- How many people are coming to the meeting on Friday?
- I don't have much free time during the week, so I study at weekends.
- There were too many tourists in the old town, so we went to the beach instead.
What changed
First versionThere were much people at the concert, so we couldn't get close to the stage.
RevisionThere were many people at the concert, so we couldn't get close to the stage.
The choice depends on the noun that follows. People can be counted, so you need many. Only this word has changed.
The trap is nouns that seem countable but are uncountable in English: information, advice, luggage, furniture. They go with much: How much luggage can I take on the plane? You can't say many luggages, because luggage has no plural.
Your turn
Sorry, I can't come out tonight. I have too ___ work to finish before tomorrow.
Show the answer
much — Work meaning “things you have to do” is uncountable: you can't say two works. So it's too much work. Many would go with a countable noun: too many tasks.
Describe your usual week at work or university. Use many and much at least once each: say what you have too much of and what you don't have enough of.
On Mondays I have too many meetings, so I don't have much time for my own tasks.
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