In this lesson we’re looking at using the words ALL (of) / MOST (of) / NO / NONE etc. in English.
Specifically, we’re looking at using these words in combination with pronouns and with prepositions.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes.
– James.
Lesson Contents
Using ALL (of) / MOST (of) / NO / NONE etc.
You can use ALL / ANY / LITTLE / FEW / MOST / MUCH / MANY / NO and SOME with a NOUN.
All cars have wheels.
Some cars have sunroofs.
No cars allowed!
Many drivers use their phone at the wheel.
You cannot say “all of cars”, “many of drivers” etc.
Note that we say “most” not “the most” :
Most people own a phone.
(not “The most people own a phone.”)
More key words
You can use the following words with OF and a NOUN:
ALL / ANY / HALF / LITTLE / FEW / MOST / MUCH / MANY / NONE / SOME
Some of the people I work with are not very nice.
None of this money is mine.
I was so ill, I spent most of yesterday on the toilet.
You don’t need to use OF after ALL or HALF:
All of my friends live in London.
or
All my friends live in London.
Half of this rice is burnt!
or
Half this rice is burnt.
Compare these pairs of sentences:
All fruits are delicious.
(every fruit, in general)
All the fruits in my garden are delicious.
(a specific group of fruits)
Most electricians have degrees.
(most electricians, in general)
Most of the electricians working here have degrees.
(most electricians in a specific group)
Match the halves of the sentences that use ALL / MOST / NO / NONE etc.
Using pronouns
You can use SOME OF, MOST OF, ALL OF etc. with IT, US, YOU or THEM:
Did you know many people at the party? – No, none of them.
Do you like the local cuisine? – Yes, most of it.
Some of you might have some questions.
You can say “all of us”, “half of you” etc. You cannot leave out OF before the pronoun.
All of us were on time this morning!
(not “All us…”)
It’s a great book so far, but I’ve only read half of it.
(not “…half it.”)
Add OF when necessary, only choose OF if the sentences NEED that word.
Using these words alone
You can sometimes use SOME, MOST etc. alone, without a NOUN:
Some people smoke, some don’t.
A few shops were open, a few were closed.
Half of the rice was burnt, half was fine.
