How to use MUCH
Much
Understanding the Uses of "Much" and "Too Much"
KesariSir, Maharashtra, India.
Today, dear Teachers and students, we're going to
explore the versatile words "much" and "too much" in the
English language. These words might seem simple, but their usage can be pretty nuanced.
Let's break down the rules and remember them clearly.
"Much" - The
Intensifier
Much + Adjective
"Much" with
Comparative Degree
- When
we say "much" before an adjective of comparative degree, it's like
emphasizing 'very.'
- Natasha
is much more beautiful than her sister.
- The
air is much hotter today than yesterday.
- The
air is very hotter today than yesterday. (X)
Remember:
We don't use
"very" before a comparative degree.
Instead, we use "very
much" for emphasis.
-
Examples:
·
Natasha is very much better than
you.
·
Natasha is very much wiser than
Sweety.
·
They are very much better than you.
____
Superlatives and "Much"
Much + the + superlatives
The + much + superlatives (x)
Avoiding "Much"
with Superlative Degree
- We
don't use "much" with "the" before the superlative degree. Keep it simple.
- She is much the tallest girl.
- She
is the much tallest girl. (Incorrect)
- She was much the wisest woman.
- She
was the much wisest woman. (Incorrect)
____
Emphasizing with "Much"
Much + Past
participle
Very much + Past
participle
Very + Past
participle (x)
Emphasizing "Much" Before Past Participle
When
we use "much" before a past participle, it gives it extra
emphasis.
- She is much annoyed at your behaviour.
- She was very much admired.
- She
was very annoyed at your behaviour. (X)
Remember:
We generally don't use "very" before past participles.
____
"Much" Modifying the Verb
- "Much" can modify a verb to
intensify it.
- “Very” cannot
modify a verb to intensify it.
However, we don't use "very" in the
same way.
- He likes it much.
- He likes it very. (x)
“Very much” is used to modify the verb; as,
- I love you very much.
- I thank you very much.
____
"Too Much" - Excess in
Nouns
Too much + noun
"Too Much"
Before a Noun
In this phrase ‘too’ is an adverb.
In this phrase ‘much’ is an
adjective.
-
"Too much" is used before a noun to indicate an excessive amount of
something.
- They have too much difficulty.
- They have much too difficulty. (x)
Remember:
We don't say "much too" before a noun.
____
"Much Too" - Excess in
Adjectives
Much too + adjective
"Much Too"
Before an Adjective
- Much is an adverb.
- Too is an adverb.
-
"Much too" is used before an adjective to show that something is
excessively or overly that way.
- He is much too jealous.
- It is much too painful.
- He is too much jealous. (x)
- It is too much painful. (x)
Remember:
We don't say "too much" before an adjective.
Understanding these rules will help you navigate
the subtle nuances of "much" and "too much" in English. As
you continue your language journey, remember these rules to communicate
with precision and clarity. Happy learning!