GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

21 QUANTIFIERS
PAGE 224
We cannot use most in this position, but we can use the adverb mostly.
Package systems mostly/usually have two cassette decks.
d
None has a negative meaning. We use it with the of-pattern.
None of the rabbits survived. They all died.
NOT All of the rabbits didn't-survive.
But not all means 'less than all'.
Not all the rabbits died. Some of them survived.
NOTE For no and none, • 181(2).
3 Whole
We can use whole as an adjective before a singular noun.
Did you copy the whole tape/all the tape? NOT the all tape
This whole idea is crazy. NOT this all idea
You didn't eat a whole chicken!
NOTE
a Compare these sentences.
We spent all day/the whole day (from morning till evening) on the beach.
We spent every day (of the week) on the beach.
b We can also use whole as a noun.
Did you copy the whole of the tape?
4 Both, either and neither
a
b
We use these words for two things.
The police set up barriers at both ends of the street.
If you're ambidextrous, you can write with either hand.
both = the one and the other
either = the one or the other
neither = not the one or the other
Compare both/neither and all/none.
Positive
Negative
Two Both prisoners Neither of the prisoners
escaped. escaped.
Three All the prisoners None of the prisoners
or more escaped. escaped.
c Patterns with both are the same as patterns with all. • (2)
Both decks/Both the decks/Both of the decks play tapes.
They both play tapes.
Two prisoners got away, but police caught them both/both of them.
But NOT the both decks
d
We use either and neither before a noun or in the of-pattern.
You can use either deck/either of the decks.
Neither of our cars is/are very economical to run.
Neither car is very economical to run.