"Many people" vs. "much people" — which one should be used?

Question

There's so many people in here!

There's so much people here!

Which one should be used, and why?

"There wasn't much people about that day." — Bram Stoker, Dracula. "Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous Gard; and much people draweth unto him, as I hear say." — Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte d'Arthur. "But when Jesus was come down from the hill, much people followed him" — Matthew 8:1, The Bible. I'd say the case is settled. — RegDwigнt, Dec 09 '13 at 10:37
Which one should be used? Depends on whether you're writing standard or doge. — Ben Lee, Mar 07 '14 at 18:50

score 18 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 09 '13 at 10:30

18

If you can count it and it doesn't designate a category, use many.

If you cannot count it or it designates a category, use much.

I have many friends.
I have much to offer.
There are many ways to get it wrong.
It doesn't make much sense.

edited Dec 09 '13 at 10:30

RegDwigнt

answered Dec 04 '10 at 18:41

haylem

1

And to answer the question… the correct one is "many people". – Gras Double Dec 03 '16 at 22:27

score 7 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 04 '10 at 14:37

7

Many is used in enumerated quantities. If it can be counted in individual items, use many. If the quantity cannot be counted, use much.

"There are so many people in here!"

"There is so much I still need to learn!"

answered Dec 04 '10 at 14:37

Robusto

1

Much is also used for quantities by weight "How much flour do I need?" whereas "How many pounds of flour do I need?" – Remou Dec 04 '10 at 18:53

score 5 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 04 '10 at 14:47

5

Simple rule of thumb: if the following word is plural use many, otherwise much

"I don't have much time"

"I don't have many books"

"how much money do you have?"

"how many cars can you see?"

answered Dec 04 '10 at 14:47

Uberto

3 Answers3