“How many times” and “how much time” are phrases used to refer to time. Although they are similar, they are not interchangeable.
Overview
| How many times | How much time |
| Number of times | Amount of time |
| Time = countable plural noun | Time = uncountable singular noun |
Time
The main difference between “how many times” and “how much time” is actually due to the meaning of the word, “time.”
“Time” has a number of different definitions, and can be used as either a countable or uncountable noun.
1. Time = countable noun
Time, as a countable noun, refers to an occasion when something happens.
- “The last time I had McDonald’s was over two years ago.”
- “We’ve already met a few times but I still don’t know her name.”
a. “How many times”
This is referring to the number of times (or occasions) something happens. Here, the word, “time,” is in its plural form.
- “How many times should you workout in a week?”
- “Ideally, about 3-4 times a week.”
- “How many times have you been to Tasmania?”
- “Just once. I went when I was really young though.”
- “It doesn’t matter how many times I tell him. He always leaves the dishes next to the dishwasher.”
2. Time = uncountable noun
Time, as an uncountable noun, refers to the amount of time and only have a singular form.
- “I’d like to spend more time with my family.”
- “They’ve known each other for a long time.”
a. “How much time”
This is referring to the amount of time something takes.
- “Do you know how much time it takes to drive to Adelaide?”
- “8 hours if you drive non-stop.”
- “How much time did you take to get ready this morning?”
- “About an hour. I had to give a presentation, so I wanted to look nice.”
- “I don’t think he knows how much time is required to answer all the questions.”
See also: Differences: How many times or How often
Original posts: 23 April 2021
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