2

Is there any difference in meaning between "so much" and "so many" in the following sentences?

We don't exchange gifts so much for Christmas in Japan.

We don't exchange so many gifts for Christmas in Japan.

Improve this question
2

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

Yes, these are quite different:

We don't exchange gifts so much for Christmas in Japan.

"We don't often exchange gifts for Christmas in Japan"

We don't exchange so many gifts for Christmas in Japan.

"We do exchange gifts, but not as many gifts (as they do in other countries)."

In the first sentence "so much" refers to an amount so the listener connects it to the custom of giving gifts, how often it's practiced. In the second sentence "so many" refers to a countable quantity so the listener connects it to the number of gifts given.

By the way, I don't think either of these sentences is incorrect, and I understand the intended meaning of both, but to me the word order does not feel completely natural. A more natural way to say each would be:

In Japan, we don't usually give gifts for Christmas.

In Japan, we don't give (as) many gifts for Christmas.

Improve this answer
1
  • Hi. Can't "so many" mean "a lot of" in the second sentence in the OP?
    – Fire and Ice
    Aug 11, 2018 at 14:57

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .