Uncountable Nouns & Countable Nouns

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns are for nouns we don’t count. These nouns might be used to describe abstract ideas , e.g., anger. They can also be used for physical objects that are too small , e.g., rice. Uncountable nouns can be used for things that don't have shape (powders, liquids, gases, etc...). To describe a small amount we use "a little" with uncountable nouns.

Examples
  • tea
  • information
  • rice
  • water
  • happiness
  • knowledge
  • advice
  • air
  • sugar

We can’t use a/an with uncountable nouns. To explain a quantity of an uncountable noun, use an expression or word like some, a lot of, much, or else use an exact measurement like a cup of, a bag of, a slice of e.g., a cup of coffee. In order to ask about the quantity of an uncountable noun, you say "How much?" e.g., How much water do you have?

Examples
  • There isn't a lot of sugar in these cookies.
  • I need some information about that.
  • He didn't have much money.
  • How much tea do you want?
Careful!!

There are some uncountable nouns that are countable in other languages but uncountable in English. Obviously they must follow the rules for uncountable nouns. Some common ones are: advice, behavior, bread, furniture, information,time,news, stuff, traffic,trouble, weather, work.

Examples
  • The furniture in this store is very expensive.
  • How much bread should I bring?
  • There wasn't a lot of traffic today.
  • She gave me some very good advice.
Countable Nouns

Countable nouns are nouns we can count, e.g., 1 cat, 2 dogs. They have a singular and a plural form. The singular form can use "a" or "an". If you need to ask about the quantity of a countable noun, you ask "How many?" along with the plural countable noun, e.g., How many dogs? To describe a small amount we use "a few" with countable nouns.

Examples
  • I own a house.
  • There were a few fights.
  • They need two t-shirts please.
  • How many people are at the party?
  • She has six cats.

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