Please explain missing "de" in "Hěn duō shū"

[calibuddy25]

I can't seem to find an explanation for this.

 

First off, I know the grammatical rule that if there is a multi-syllable modifier (adjectives & adverbs) for a noun, you add a de before the noun like the following example:

 

Hěn xiǎo de shū

"Very small book'"

 

Now, how come the de is missing in the following statement: 

 

Hěn duō shū

"Very many books"

 

I thought duō "many" was an adjective modifying shū "books".

[fanglu]

No 'de' required when you are describing number (eg 'many'). The same is true when you are talking about specific numbers - yi ben shu, liang ben shu, etc.

[adbase]

In my experience, Hěn duō de shū is also OK. 

[fanglu]

Yes, you're quite right.

 

I really shouldn't respond to grammar questions.