much
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++much1 /mʌtʃ/ ●●● S1 W1 adverb 1 LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTby a great amount 非常，很；大量much better/greater/easier etc Henry’s room is much bigger than mine. 亨利的房间比我的大得多。 These shoes are much more comfortable. 这双鞋子要舒服得多。 I’m feeling very much better, thank you. 我感觉好多了，谢谢。much too big/old etc He was driving much too fast. 他开得太快了。much the best/most interesting etc British English It’s much the best way to do it. 这是做此事最好的方式。5 GRAMMAR 语法• The adverb much is mainly used before comparative adjectives. 副词much主要用于形容词比较级之前He’s much older than she is.他比她年长许多。• Much can also be used before ‘different’ in negative sentences and questions. 否定句和疑问句中much还可用于different之前She doesn’t look much different.她看上去没多大变化。n USAGE: Much• The adverb much is mainly used before comparative adjectives or adjectives with 'too': He’s much older than she is. 他比她年长许多。The soup was much too salty.• It is not usually used before other adjectives, but much can be used before different, especially in negatives and questions: It's not much different from when I was young. 2 a) used to ask or talk about the degree of a difference 〔询问或谈论区别的程度〕how much older/smaller etc She kept weighing herself to see how much heavier she was getting. 她老是称体重看自己重了多少。 b) used to ask or talk about how big an additional amount of something is 〔询问或谈论某事物增加的数量〕how much more/longer/further How much longer do we have to wait? 我们还得等多久？ How much further is it? 还有多远？ c) used to emphasize the difference you are mentioning 〔用于强调差异〕how much better/nicer/easier etc I was surprised to see how much better she was looking. 看到她变得漂亮多了我很惊讶。 How much better life would be if we returned to the values of the past! 如果我们重拾过去的价值观，生活会有多好呀！3 LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTused to talk about a strong feeling or something that is done often 〔用于谈论强烈的感情或经常做的事〕how/however much You know how much I care about you. 你知道我是多么在乎你。 I think you have to accept the pain, however much it hurts. 我想你必须得承受这份痛苦，无论这伤痛有多大。 He talks too much. 他话太多了。 We’re looking forward to your visit so much. 我们热切盼望着您的到来。 Thank you very much! 非常感谢！much loved/admired/discussed etc The money will buy much needed books for the school. 这笔钱将用于购买学校急需的书籍。4 not ... much 5 much like something/much as (also much the same (as something))LIKE/SIMILAR used to say that something is very similar to something else 很像某事物，和某事物几乎一样6 much to somebody’s surprise/embarrassment etc formalVERY used to say that someone feels very surprised, embarrassed etc when something happens 令某人大为吃惊/非常尴尬等的是7 much less AND/ALSOused to say that a greater thing is even less true, likely, or possible than the thing you have just mentioned 更不用说，更何况8 much as TRUEalthough 虽然9 not so much ... as ... MORE THAN something OR somebody ELSEused to say that one description of someone or something is less suitable or correct than another 与其说是…不如说是… → so much the better at better3(4)
Examples from the Corpus
much• "Did you enjoy the show?" "Not much."• Has he changed much?• I haven't thought much about it.• Do you talk to Leslie much anymore?• She's feeling much better now.• You get a much better view if you stand on a chair.• It was much easier doing the letter on the computer.• When the headlights flashed, it barely blinked, much less moved.• What sticks in the brain, and occasionally the heart, is something much less tangible.• Mrs. Clausen was much loved and will be sadly missed.• These shoes are much more comfortable.• His family is much more important to him than his career.• Wayne looked much older than the last time I saw him.• We should pay more attention to those millions of elderly pensioners than to the much smaller number of millionaires.• The test was much too difficult for most of the students.• You're working much too hard, and you're letting the boss take advantage of you.• The damage done can be much worse than from a fire - while the chances of it happening are much higher.much better/greater/easier etc• If a claim is lost in court, the pain, loss and damage suffered by the haulier is obviously much greater.• To that extent, the workplace will be much better.• He was getting better every day, so much better, and yet business got worse and worse.• But things were much better now.• This rate of turnover is much greater than for other areas of the vocabulary of a language. 3.• This system allows me to communicate much better than I could before.• He has summed up the issue much better than I could.• The beautiful lion fish belongs to this gaudy category and is therefore much easier to avoid.how much older/smaller etc• Older than Aunt Margaret, that was certain - far older, but how much older?• It never ceased to amaze her how much smaller everything seemed to her now adult eyes.• Rachel hadn't seen Irene Markham for five years but she was shocked by how much older she looked.how/however much• It comes as a bit of a shock to see how much faster others can sail upwind.• The best solution is for a pamphleteer to show people how much fun it is to do good.• It has not disclosed how much it thought these brands were worth.• I realize how much of her strength came from those evenings alone in that ancient book.• Even Alfred appreciated how much she helped.• The output was a bar graph to show how much the new input resembled each of the ten people.• He also wants to restrict how much time inmates can shave off their sentences for good behavior or working in prison.much2 ●●● S1 W1 determiner, pronoun 1 LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTa large amount of something 很多（的），大量（的）2 how much used to ask or talk about the amount or cost of something 多少；多少钱〔用于询问或谈论某物的数量或价格〕3 as much an amount that is equal and not less 同等，一样，不少4 as much as 10/100 etc used to emphasize how surprisingly large an amount is 多至10/100等〔用于强调数量大得惊人〕5 NOTused in negative expressions to say that something is not important, interesting, good etc 〔用于否定句，表示并不那么重要、有趣、好等〕6 not be much of a something BAD ATto not be a good example of something or not be very good at something 算不上是某事；不怎么会某事7 be too much for somebody DIFFICULTto be too difficult for someone to do or bear 对某人来说太困难；不是某人所能承受的8 not be up to much British English spokenBAD AT to be fairly bad 不怎么样，很糟糕9 there is not much in it informal used to say that there is little difference between two things or amounts 相差不大10 think/say etc as much SAYTHINK/HAVE THE OPINION THATto think or say the thing that has just been mentioned 也这样认为/说等11 it was as much as somebody could do to do something SUCCEED IN DOING somethingused to say that someone only succeeded in doing something with great difficulty 某人尽最大努力也只能做某事12 not/without so much as something SURPRISEDused when you are surprised or annoyed that someone did not do something 甚至没有做某事，连某事都没有做13 so much for something used to say that a particular action, idea, statement etc was not useful or did not produce the result that was hoped for 原来某事毫无用处；某事未产生期盼的结果14 I’ll say this/that much for somebody/something PRAISEused when saying one good thing about someone or something when they are being criticized a lot 我要为某人/某事物这么说〔用于为正遭受批评的人或事说句好话〕15 as much again SAMEan additional amount that is equal 〔额外的数量〕一样多，同样多16 be a bit much/be too much British English spokenRUDE/IMPOLITE used to say that someone’s behaviour is unacceptable or impolite 有点过分/太过分〔用于指某人的行为不能让人接受或不礼貌〕17 make much of somebody/something formalIMPORTANT to treat a person or thing as though you think they are very important or special 重视[认真对待]某人/某物n Grammar• Much is mainly used in questions and negative sentences, or after too or so: much用于不可数名词之前，主要用于疑问句和否定句，或too、so之后Was there much snow?There’s not much time left.You’ve used too much soap.• Much sounds very formal in positive statements. It is usually better to say a lot of: There was a lot of food left. ✗Don’t say: There was much food left.• You use much before uncountable nouns: I don’t have much money. 我没多少时间。• You use many before plural nouns: There are too many advertisements on TV. 电视广告太多了 ✗Don’t say: There are too much advertisements on TV. Examples from the Corpus
much of• The storm will bring rain to much of the state.not/nothing much• "Anything happening?" "Not much."• The slope in figure 10.6 is not much changed after polishing, so the technique is illustrated in exercise 10.1.• He was not much closer to Belafonte, whose alter ego he played in the show.• If he's a skilled boardroom apparatchik, they say he's not much cop as a coach.• She and I have worked together before, and it is not much fun.• There was nothing much I could do to help.• The embalmer was John Sheldon, a recently qualified surgeon not much older than Miss Johnson herself.• Whales and hippos may not much resemble each other nowadays, but retain some hints of kinship.• There was nothing much to say to that, and nobody did.much1 adverb →5 GRAMMAR1 →n USAGE1much2 determiner →10-17
→5 GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →5 REGISTER1LDOCE OnlineChinese
→5 GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →5 REGISTER1LDOCE OnlineChinese
great by amount Corpus a
much
much1 S1 W1 /mʌtʃ/ 
adverb
1. by a great amount
much better/greater/easier etc
Henry’s room is much bigger than mine.
These shoes are much more comfortable.
I’m feeling very much better, thank you.
much too big/old etc
He was driving much too fast.
much the best/most interesting etc British English:
It’s much the best way to do it.
GRAMMAR
The adverb much is mainly used before comparative adjectives:
▪He’s much older than she is.
Much can also be used before 'different' in negative sentences and questions:
▪She doesn’t look much different.
2.
a. used to ask or talk about the degree of a difference
how much older/smaller etc
She kept weighing herself to see how much heavier she was getting.
b. used to ask or talk about how big an additional amount of something is
how much more/longer/further
How much longer do we have to wait?
How much further is it?
c. used to emphasize the difference you are mentioning
how much better/nicer/easier etc
I was surprised to see how much better she was looking.
How much better life would be if we returned to the values of the past!
3. used to talk about a strong feeling or something that is done often
how/however much
You know how much I care about you.
I think you have to accept the pain, however much it hurts.
He talks too much.
We’re looking forward to your visit so much.
Thank you very much!
much loved/admired/discussed etc
The money will buy much needed books for the school.
4. not ... much
a. only a little or hardly at all:
‘Did you enjoy it?’ ‘No, not much.’
She isn’t much younger than me.
Tony hasn’t changed much in the last ten years.
b. used to say that something does not often happen:
We don’t go to the theatre much any more.
Kids don’t play outside as much as they used to. ⇨ little3(2)
5. much like something/much as (also much the same (as something)) used to say that something is very similar to something else:
The house was very much as I’d remembered it.
The taste is much like butter.
Plants are classified in much the same way as animals.
6. much to sb’s surprise/embarrassment etc formal used to say that someone feels very surprised, embarrassed etc when something happens:
Much to my relief, the conversation turned to another topic.
7. much less used to say that a greater thing is even less true, likely, or possible than the thing you have just mentioned:
The shelves were lined with books which neither Hugo nor Sally would ever open, much less read.
8. much as although:
Much as I like Bob, I wouldn’t want to live with him.
9. not so much ... as ... used to say that one description of someone or something is less suitable or correct than another:
She was not so much nervous as impatient for the journey to be over.
⇨ so much the better at better3(2)
much2 S1 W1 determiner, pronoun
1. a large amount of something:
I don’t have much money with me.
Was there much traffic?
He didn’t say much about his trip.
Do you get much chance to travel in your job?
After much consideration we have finally arrived at a decision.
much of
Much of the city was destroyed in the attack.
(far/rather/a little) too much
There was too much work for one person.
It would cost far too much to have the thing repaired.
It was such a small thing to have caused so much trouble.
GRAMMAR
Much is used before uncountable nouns, mainly in questions and negative sentences, or after too or so:
▪Was there much mess?
▪I don’t have much time.
▪We’ve wasted too much time.
► Do not use much before plural nouns. Use many or a lot of:
▪There are too many advertisements (NOT too much advertisements) on television.
REGISTER
Much sounds formal in positive statements. In everyday English, people usually say a lot of:
▪The dress cost a lot of money.
▪After a lot of thought I said yes.
2. how much used to ask or talk about the amount or cost of something:
How much is that dress?
How much flour should I use in the sauce?
I know how much hard work goes into looking after a baby.
3. as much an amount that is equal and not less
as much (...) as
I hope you have as much fun as I did.
Just do as much as you can.
4. as much as 10/100 etc used to emphasize how surprisingly large an amount is:
Some machines cost as much as £20,000.
5. used in negative expressions to say that something is not important, interesting, good etc
not/nothing much
‘What are you doing?’ ‘Oh, not much, really.’
There’s nothing much we can do to help.
I don’t think much of that idea (=I do not think it is good).
The car may not be much to look at (=it does not look good) but it’s very reliable.
It’s the best book he’s written, but that’s not saying much (=none of his books is very good).
6. not be much of a something to not be a good example of something or not be very good at something:
I’m not much of a dancer, I’m afraid.
It wasn’t really much of a storm.
7. be too much for somebody to be too difficult for someone to do or bear:
The effort of climbing the stairs had been too much for the old man.
The shock had been too much for her – she never recovered.
8. not be up to much British English spoken to be fairly bad:
The restaurant’s very grand but the food isn’t up to much.
9. there is not much in it informal used to say that there is little difference between two things or amounts:
‘Isn’t the woollen carpet more expensive?’ ‘A little, perhaps, but there’s not much in it.’
10. think/say etc as much to think or say the thing that has just been mentioned:
Carson strongly disapproved of the plan and said as much at the meeting.
‘Max was lying all the time.’ ‘ I thought as much.’
11. it was as much as somebody could do to do something used to say that someone only succeeded in doing something with great difficulty:
He looked so stupid, it was as much as I could do to stop myself from laughing.
12. not/without so much as something used when you are surprised or annoyed that someone did not do something:
They left without so much as saying goodbye.
He’d received not so much as a thank you from Tiffany.
13. so much for something used to say that a particular action, idea, statement etc was not useful or did not produce the result that was hoped for:
He’s late again. So much for good intentions.
14. I’ll say this/that much for somebody/something used when saying one good thing about someone or something when they are being criticized a lot:
Well, he does admit it when he’s wrong, I’ll say that much for him.
15. as much again an additional amount that is equal:
The car only cost me £1,500 but it cost as much again to get it insured.
16. be a bit much/be too much British English spoken used to say that someone’s behaviour is unacceptable or impolite:
It’s a bit much expecting you to pay for it all.
17. make much of somebody/something formal to treat a person or thing as though you think they are very important or special:
The press made much of the discovery.
They’ve always made much of their nephews and nieces.
| I |
adverb1. by a great amount
much better/greater/easier etc
much too big/old etc
much the best/most interesting etc British English:
GRAMMAR
The adverb much is mainly used before comparative adjectives:
▪
Much can also be used before 'different' in negative sentences and questions:
▪
2.
a. used to ask or talk about the degree of a difference
how much older/smaller etc
b. used to ask or talk about how big an additional amount of something is
how much more/longer/further
c. used to emphasize the difference you are mentioning
how much better/nicer/easier etc
3. used to talk about a strong feeling or something that is done often
how/however much
much loved/admired/discussed etc
4. not ... much
a. only a little or hardly at all:
b. used to say that something does not often happen:
5. much like something/much as (also much the same (as something)) used to say that something is very similar to something else:
6. much to sb’s surprise/embarrassment etc formal used to say that someone feels very surprised, embarrassed etc when something happens:
7. much less used to say that a greater thing is even less true, likely, or possible than the thing you have just mentioned:
8. much as although:
9. not so much ... as ... used to say that one description of someone or something is less suitable or correct than another:
⇨ so much the better at better3(2)
| II |
determiner, pronoun1. a large amount of something:
much of
(far/rather/a little) too much
GRAMMAR
Much is used before uncountable nouns, mainly in questions and negative sentences, or after too or so:
▪
▪
▪
► Do not use much before plural nouns. Use many or a lot of:
▪
REGISTER
Much sounds formal in positive statements. In everyday English, people usually say a lot of:
▪
▪
2. how much used to ask or talk about the amount or cost of something:
3. as much an amount that is equal and not less
as much (...) as
4. as much as 10/100 etc used to emphasize how surprisingly large an amount is:
5. used in negative expressions to say that something is not important, interesting, good etc
not/nothing much
6. not be much of a something to not be a good example of something or not be very good at something:
7. be too much for somebody to be too difficult for someone to do or bear:
8. not be up to much British English spoken to be fairly bad:
9. there is not much in it informal used to say that there is little difference between two things or amounts:
10. think/say etc as much to think or say the thing that has just been mentioned:
11. it was as much as somebody could do to do something used to say that someone only succeeded in doing something with great difficulty:
12. not/without so much as something used when you are surprised or annoyed that someone did not do something:
13. so much for something used to say that a particular action, idea, statement etc was not useful or did not produce the result that was hoped for:
14. I’ll say this/that much for somebody/something used when saying one good thing about someone or something when they are being criticized a lot:
15. as much again an additional amount that is equal:
16. be a bit much/be too much British English spoken used to say that someone’s behaviour is unacceptable or impolite:
17. make much of somebody/something formal to treat a person or thing as though you think they are very important or special:
Much is used only with uncountable nouns. It is used mainly in questions and negative sentences.* much 只与不可数名词连用，主要用于疑问句和否定句中 ：◆ Do you have much free time? 你空闲时间多吗？ ◆ How much experience have you had?你经验如何？ ◆ I don't have much free time. 我没有多少空闲时间。 In statements a lot of orlots of ( is much more common.在陈述句中 a lot of 或 lots of（非正式）常用得多 ：◆ 'How much (money) does she earn? “她挣多少（钱）？” ◆ She earns a lot of money. 她挣很多钱。 You can also use plenty (of) . These phrases can also be used in questions and negative sentences.亦可用 plenty (of)。以上短语亦可用于疑问句和否定句中。 A lot of/lots of is still felt to be informal, especially inBrE much ,a great deal of ora large amount of .* a lot of/lots of 仍被视为非正式，尤其在英式英语中，因此在正式的书面语中宜用 much、a great deal of 或 a large amount of。 Very much anda lot can be used as adverbs.* very much 和 a lot 可作副词 ：◆ I miss my family very much. 我很想念我的家人。 ◆ I miss very much my family. ◆ I miss my family a lot. 我很想念我的家人。 ◆ Thanks a lot. 多谢。 In negative sentences you can use much .在否定句中可用 much ：◆ I didn't enjoy the film (very) much. 我不大喜欢这部影片。
Much is used only with uncountable nouns. It is used mainly in questions and negative sentences.* much 只与不可数名词连用，主要用于疑问句和否定句中 ：◆ Do you have much free time? 你空闲时间多吗？ ◆ How much experience have you had?你经验如何？ ◆ I don't have much free time. 我没有多少空闲时间。 In statements a lot of orlots of ( is much more common.在陈述句中 a lot of 或 lots of（非正式）常用得多 ：◆ 'How much (money) does she earn? “她挣多少（钱）？” ◆ She earns a lot of money. 她挣很多钱。 You can also use plenty (of) . These phrases can also be used in questions and negative sentences.亦可用 plenty (of)。以上短语亦可用于疑问句和否定句中。 A lot of/lots of is still felt to be informal, especially inBrE much ,a great deal of ora large amount of .* a lot of/lots of 仍被视为非正式，尤其在英式英语中，因此在正式的书面语中宜用 much、a great deal of 或 a large amount of。 Very much anda lot can be used as adverbs.* very much 和 a lot 可作副词 ：◆ I miss my family very much. 我很想念我的家人。 ◆ I miss very much my family. ◆ I miss my family a lot. 我很想念我的家人。 ◆ Thanks a lot. 多谢。 In negative sentences you can use much .在否定句中可用 much ：◆ I didn't enjoy the film (very) much. 我不大喜欢这部影片。