1.236 predeterminers

Normally, a determiner is the first word in a noun group. However, there is a class of words called predeterminers which can come in front of a determiner.

Here is a list of predeterminers:

• all, both, double, half, many, quarter, twice, --- , quite, rather, such, what

The first group are used to indicate amounts or quantities. 'All' can also be used to refer to every part of something. When used with this meaning it is used with an uncount noun.

• All the boys started to giggle.
• He will give you all the information.
• All these people knew each other.
• I shall miss all my friends.
• I invited both the boys.
• Both these parties shared one basic belief.
• She paid double the sum they asked for.
• I see advertisements for jobs with twice the pay I'm getting now.

In the second group, 'quite' and 'rather' can be used either to emphasize or to reduce the effect of what is being said. In speech, the meaning is made clear by your tone of voice. In writing, it is sometimes difficult to know which meaning is intended without reading more of the text.

• It takes quite a long time to get a divorce.
• It was quite a shock.
• Seaford is rather a pleasant town.
• It was rather a disaster.

'Such' and 'what' are used for emphasis.

• He has such a beautiful voice.