COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

In general, nouns that have a plural form are known as countable nouns, while nouns that have no plural are known as uncountable nouns. Most nouns are countable. The uncountable nouns can be classified as follows:

UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Liquids: -water, oil, beer...

Powders and grains: -sugar, sand, salt, rice...

Materials: -glass, wood, plastic...

Foods that we cut: -meat, bread, watermelon...

General Emotions: -happiness, anger, ...

General Categories: -money, furniture, mail, jewelry...

Others: -information, homework, clothing, work, news,

equipment, advice

Note that an uncountable noun can often be transformed into a countable noun by adding a quantifier.

Examples: -A cup of coffee.

-A bag of rice.

-A slice of bread.

-A piece of furniture.

It is important to know the difference between countable and uncountable nouns because certain words used before one group cannot be used before the other. This table indicates which words can be used:

Words used ONLY with

plural countable nouns

Words used with EITHER

uncountable nouns or plural countable nouns

Words used ONLY with

uncountable nouns

a couple of (A)

a few (A)

several (A)

many (N/I)

some (A)

any (N/I)

plenty of (A)

lots of (A/N/I)

a lot of (A/N/I)

a little (A)

a bit of (A)

much (N/I)

The letters in parentheses indicate that the qualifiers are

generally used in :

A = affirmative

N = negative

I = interrogative

Examples: Do we have any milk?

- Yes, there is some milk in the refrigerator.

Did you have any difficulties getting here?

- No, I didn't have any difficulties.

Note: -The articles a/an are only used with singular countable nouns.

-The article the can be used with any type of noun, but the noun

must be specifically defined.