In English, “how much” and “how many” are used to describe the amount or quantity of something. While they are very similar, they are not used in the same way.[1]https://www.grammar.cl/english/how-much-how-many.htm
How much?
“How much?” is used in two different ways in English.
Quantity with Uncountable Nouns
How much + uncountable noun
Uncountable nouns are information, concepts, and materials which cannot be broken down into individual objects to be counted.[2]https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/confusing_words/much_many3.htm
For example:
- How much time before the train arrives?
- How much sugar is needed for the cake?
- How much milk do we have in the refrigerator?
- How much traffic is there on the road?
- How much water is in the pool?
- How much money is in your wallet?
Price
“How much?” is also used when talking about the price/cost of something.
When talking about price we use the following form:
How much + (verb) + countable noun
Countable nouns are individual places, people, and objects which can be counted.
For example:
- How much is the car?
- How much for the car?
- How much does a meal cost at this restaurant.
- How much is the pants?
- How much does it cost?
How many?
“How many?” is used when we want to know the quantity of something.
Plural Countable Nouns
We use it only with plural countable nouns.
How many + plural noun
For example:
- How many days until your birthday?
- How many students are in your class?
- How many books do you read per year?
- How many countries have you visited?
- How many donuts do you want me to buy at the store?
- How many siblings do you have?
In Context
You can take out the noun with “how much” or “how many” while talking when you know the context.
For example:
A: Can I have some money? B: How much (money) do you need?
A: Can I borrow some baseballs? We need it for the game. B: Sure, how many do you need?
Practice Exercises
References