Advanced Grammar Series: Quantifiers

Summary

Today's lecture on quantifiers, presented by Zeynep Harlot from the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Paris, focused on how to use quantifiers with countable and uncountable quantities. Key quantifiers discussed include "all," "both," "half," and "whole."

Quantifiers Explained

• Quantifiers - Words and phrases used to talk about quantities that are countable or uncountable. They are used before nouns and instead of nouns with "of."

Usage of "All" and "All of"

• All - Used before plural nouns and uncountable nouns to make general statements.
  • Example: "He denied all knowledge of it."
  • Example: "All students were prepared early."
• All of
  • Use before determiners plus nouns for specific statements.
  • Example: "He spent all of that afternoon polishing the silver."
  • Use before pronouns for precise inclusion.
  • Example: "I felt that I had been a victim all of my life."
  • Note: Cannot omit "of" with pronouns (e.g., "all of them" not "all them").
• Use everyone or everything instead of just "all" alone.
  • Example: "Everyone needs time to unwind."

Usage of "Both" and "Both of"

• Both - Used instead of "all" when referring to two things or people.
  • Example: "Cars were parked on both sides of the road."
  • Example: "I like them both very much."
• Both of - Used with determiners for specificity concerning two items or people.
  • Example: "A picture of both of us together."

Usage of "Half" and "Half of"

• Half - Used to discuss measurements and approximations.
  • Example: "Half the audience were blabbing away."
• Half of - Sometimes an alternative to just "half" for emphasis.
  • Example: "Half of the lectures are delivered by him."

Usage of "Whole" and "The Whole of"

• Whole - Used to emphasize a full or complete amount between a determiner and a singular noun.
  • Example: "He was the nicest person in the whole world."
• The Whole of - Used before determiners, pronouns, and proper nouns.
  • Example: "The effects will last for the whole of his life."

Closing Remarks

• Thanks to Dr. Linear Ecology and the attendees.
• The session was designed to be insightful for grappling with various aspects of English grammar related to quantifiers.

In today's lecture, Zeynep helped clarify the correct usages of each quantifier, providing specific rules and examples for clearer understanding and practical application in both spoken and written English.