Quantifiers

We use quantifiers with singular, plural and uncountable nouns to specify an amount or number.

🔢 A FEW and A LITTLE ✨
We use a few and a little to talk about a small amount or number.
🎫 There are a few tickets left.
🌿 I try to spend a little bit of time in nature every day.

⚠️ FEW and LITTLE 😔
We use few and little when there are not as much or as many as we would like.
🏙️ I have few opportunities to get away from the city.
⏰ There is little chance of me leaving before 6 p.m.

📈 THE MAJORITY OF and THE MINORITY OF 👥
We use the majority of to talk about more than 50 percent, and the minority of to talk about less than 50 percent. We can also talk about people or things being in a majority or in a minority.
🌳 The majority of people feel more relaxed when they are in the countryside.
💼 I spend the majority of my working day sitting at a desk.
❌ Those against the decision were in a minority.

🚫 A LACK OF 📉
We can use a lack of to talk about something which there is not enough of, or is missing completely.
🏠 There is a lack of affordable housing in the city.

🎉 A GOOD DEAL OF and PLENTY OF 💪
We can use a good deal of or plenty of to talk about when there is a large amount or number of something.
🏛️ We had a good deal of help from the government.
⬆️ There are plenty of opportunities for improvement.

🖐️ SEVERAL and A HANDFUL OF 🔢
We use several or a handful of to talk about a small number.
🎵 A handful of us went to the concert.
💬 Several of them talked about the importance of downtime.

For centuries, humans have been fascinated by nature, finding inspiration, relaxation, and even healing in green spaces. In recent years, science has begun to demonstrate that spending time in nature offers not only emotional benefits but also significant health results. For example, studies show that walking in parks or forests can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. In several countries, doctors even recommend their patients spend more time outdoors.

When we talk about nature, we include a wide range of environments: forests, mountains, rivers, and even small urban parks. These places offer an escape from the regular routines of daily life and the endless noise of the modern city. In the last decade, scientists have discovered just how important it is for children and adults to engage with the natural world. People who have access to nature are usually healthier and happier than those who spend most of their time indoors. Nature encourages physical activity, concentration, and positive social interaction. It’s not surprising, then, that more cities are planning green areas to make urban life less stressful.

However, most people today live in cities. City living has many advantages, such as a variety of job opportunities, better access to education and health services, and activities that are not available in rural locations, such as concerts, theatres, and modern shopping centres. Public transport is also more convenient in cities, making it easier to travel.

On the other hand, there are clear disadvantages to city living. Cities are often crowded, noisy, and polluted. The cost of living is higher, and some people feel isolated despite being surrounded by millions. It may be difficult to find peace and quiet. Scientists warn that too much time in urban environments can lead to anxiety and other health problems if people are not able to relax in nature from time to time.

When people dream of escaping busy city life, many imagine travelling to tropical islands. Tropical islands are famous for their beautiful beaches, warm climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Tourists often visit these destinations in search of adventure or to experience something unique and different. Island living, however, also has its own pros and cons. On the positive side, life on a tropical island may be slower and less stressful. The community is usually closer, and people tend to know each other.

But island life is not perfect. Islands can feel isolated, and there might be limited access to some modern facilities or job opportunities. The cost of imported goods can be much higher, and during storms or hurricanes, living on an island can become very difficult. Nevertheless, many people believe that being close to nature, swimming in the sea, and enjoying the sun make up for these challenges.

In conclusion, while science proves that nature is extremely important for our health and happiness, the decision of where to live depends on each person’s needs and preferences. Whether you choose the excitement of the city or the peacefulness of an island, make sure to spend time in nature as often as possible!

demonstrate 🔬 – To show something clearly by providing proof or evidence.

environments 🌳 – The surroundings or conditions in which living things operate or thrive.

concentration 🎯 – The ability to focus your attention on a single task or subject.

interaction 🤝 – Communication or direct involvement with others.

disadvantages ❌ – Negative aspects or problems related to something.

isolated 🏝️ – Separated from others; remote or alone.

anxiety 😰 – A feeling of worry or nervousness about what might happen.

unique 🌟 – One of a kind; very special or unusual.

facilities 🏢 – Buildings, services, or equipment provided for a specific purpose.

imported 🚢 – Brought into a country from another, typically for commercial purposes.

Connected speech is when words join smoothly during natural, fluent speaking. Instead of saying each word separately, people combine sounds to speak faster and more easily.

Common Changes in Connected Speech with Quantifiers

1. Linking: Joining the end of a quantifier with the beginning of the next word.
- Example: "a lot of oranges" sounds like "a lotta oranges."

2. Reduction: Making words shorter.
- Example: "some of" becomes "sum of" or "sum uh."

3. Elision: Dropping sounds to make speech quicker.
- Example: "a lot of" can be pronounced as "a lota."

4. Intrusion: Adding a sound between words for easier pronunciation.
- Example: "a few of" might sound like "a few uh."

Tips to Improve
- Listen often to native speakers to hear these changes.
- Practice repeating sentences with quantifiers used naturally.
- Record yourself to compare your speaking to native patterns.