Language learning | English » Countable and Uncountable Nouns, Overview

Source: http://www.doksinet 1 Overview 1A Countable nouns Countable nouns are the names of separate, individual things, people or ideas which we can count. We can use these nouns in the singular or in the plural. We can also use them together with the article a/an (Articles), with numbers, and with many/few (Quantifiers). • • • a pocket calculator, 10 pocket calculators, many pocket calculators an accountant, three accountants, a few accountants a proposal, two proposals, many proposals 1B Uncountable nouns Uncountable nouns ("mass nouns") are the names of substances (e.g materials, liquids), abstract qualities and other things which we cannot count because we see them as masses and not as separate things or ideas. Most uncountable nouns have no plural form. We can use them with much/little (Quantifiers) but not with many/few or with numbers. We cannot normally use uncountable nouns together with the article a/an (Articles) but we can use them with some

(Quantifiers). • • • butter, a little butter, some butter petrol, much petrol, some petrol love, much love, a little love Uncountable nouns with plural forms Uncountable nouns which can be used with the article A/AN Nouns which are always uncountable Nouns which can be both countable or uncountable 2 Countable or uncountable? Normally it is quite easy to see if a noun is countable or uncountable. However, some nouns which are uncountable in English may be countable in other languages ,e.g, German (Check in a good dictionary if you are not sure) 2A Nouns which are always uncountable Here are some nouns which are uncountable in English. If we need a countable noun instead, we can often use a construction that includes a countable noun (e.g a piece of advice) or an alternative noun (eg loaf instead of bread). Uncountable Countable accommodation a place to live / to stay Source: http://www.doksinet advice a piece of advice bread a loaf (of bread); a sandwich, a roll, etc.

damage a scratch / a dent , etc. (eg in a car) equipment a piece of equipment; tools, instruments, etc. evidence a piece of evidence furniture a piece of furniture; chairs, tables, etc. information a piece of information knowledge a fact/thing (which someone knows) land a piece / plot of land luggage a piece / an item of luggage; a suitcase, a bag, etc. money a coin, a banknote, an amount news a piece of news / a news item (e.g in a newspaper) parking a parking space, a place to park permission a permit progress a step forward research a piece of research; a study traffic cars / vehicles travel journey, trip Nouns which can be countable or uncountable 2A-1 Uncountable nouns with plural forms 2A-1a Plural forms with singular meaning The following nouns look like plurals but have singular meaning and we use them with singular verbs. They have no singular form • • • • news, data , customs some subjects of study: economics, mathematics, statistics ,

politics , etc. some sports and games: athletics, gymnastics, etc; billiards, darts, etc. some illnesses: measles, mumps, etc. • • The news from North America hasnt been very encouraging lately. Statistics is not exactly my strongest point, Im afraid. Countable nouns in the plural Uncountable nouns - overview 2A-1b Plural forms with plural meaning The following nouns have plural meaning and we use them with plural verbs. We can use them with many/few (Quantifiers). They have no singular form • cattle, livestock Source: http://www.doksinet • • • • • • • • • pair nouns: jeans, glasses, scales, scissors, etc. clothes, congratulations, contents, funds, goods, manners, premises, regards, savings, stairs, surroundings, thanks, etc. certain nationality words: the Dutch, the French; the British, the English, the Welsh; the Spanish, etc. More about nationality words Many cattle are suffering from the unusual heat. I always keep a spare pair of glasses in the

office. All her savingsare invested in stocks . Many thanks! Best regards. The British are said to be good at team sports. BUT: There is a British woman working in our department. Countable nouns in the plural Uncountable nouns - overview 2A-2 Uncountable nouns which can take the article a/an With some uncountable nouns we must use the article a/an if we use them in a specific and not in a general sense. Most of these nouns refer to feelings or to mental activity. General Specific Knowledge is power. I am looking for a PA with a sound knowledge of Italian The things we do for Since she moved to the country she has developed a love! surprising love of nature. The article A/AN Uncountable nouns - overview 2B Nouns which can be countable or uncountable Many nouns can be countable as well as uncountable. There is often a difference in meaning between the two. Uncountable Lets do business! (i.e, buy and sell) Some of our politicians dont seem to believe in democracy. (ie, the idea of

democracy) Countable I hope to have a business of my own one day. (ie, a shop, an agency, etc) Austria is a democracy. (ie, a democratic state) After many initial difficulties the I have difficulty doing sums in my head. business is doing well now. (ie, after (I find it difficult to do this.) many different problems) Applicants for this job need considerable I had a really strange experience on managerial experience. (They must the train the other day. (A strange have worked in management before.) thing happened.) Source: http://www.doksinet Hes had a hard life. (ie, his life in particular) Hes gone out to buy a paper. (ie, a We need some typing paper. newspaper) The agent showed me several She lost all her property in an attractive properties near the city earthquake. (ie, everything she owned) centre (ie, houses, flats or pieces of land) Three sugars, please. (ie, three Do you take sugar in your coffee? pieces / spoons of sugar) You neednt hurry, we have plenty of How many times

have I told you not time. to do this? (i.e, how often) They grow some very nice wines in I dont drink much wine. I prefer lager California. (ie, different kinds of wine) Several valuable works of art were Theres always too much work and too destroyed in the fire. (ie, paintings or little time to do it in. sculptures) Nouns which are always uncountable Life is unfair. (ie, life in general)