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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Had only so much or many?

Hi. Please help. Which is correct, much or many? Or perhaps are both incorrect? Also should there be another "had" in the sentence below? Mind you that this describes an event/action that happened in the past.

I wish I had (had?) more books to give out but I only had so much/many.
  

Top answer

The second "had" is optional, depending on whether you wish to imply that not having the books preceded the wishing. The books are items which you can count. "

— Avangi

  • The second "had" is optional, depending on whether you wish to imply that not having the books preceded the wishing.
  • The books are items which you can count.
  • "
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3 Answers
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The second "had" is optional, depending on whether you wish to imply that not having the books preceded the wishing.

The books are items which you can count. Use "many."
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Thank you, Would it make a difference if the word "books" were changed to "clothes"? Thank you in advance.

I wish I had (had?) more books clothes to give out but I only had so much/many.
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That's a tough one.
If it were "money," we'd clearly say "I only had so much."

I'm thinking that "clothes" is countable while "clothing" is uncountable. I could be wrong.

I only had so many clothes. I only had so much clothing.
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