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too much and too many

The difference

The difference between too much and too many is the same as the difference between much and many (see here). Too much is used with singular (uncountable) nouns; too many is used with plurals.

  • You put too much salt in the soup.
  • I’ve had too many late nights recently. (not … too much late nights …)

a bit too much, rather too many, etc

Expressions which modify comparatives (see here) and too can also modify too much and too many.

  • She’s wearing a bit too much make-up for my taste.
  • I’ve been to rather too many parties recently.

However, much too many is unusual.

  • You ask far too many questions. (not … much too many questions.)

too much/many without a noun

We can drop a noun after too much/many, if the meaning is clear.

  • You’ve eaten too much.
  • ‘Did you get any answers to your advertisement?’ ‘Too many.’
note

For the difference between too and too much, (see here).