NounsEnglish level A1
Countable & Uncountable
Countable nouns can be counted one by one and have a plural; uncountable nouns name substances and ideas and stay singular.
Rule
Countable nouns take a/an and a plural. Uncountable nouns (water, money, advice) have no plural and no a/an — measure them with some, much, or a piece / cup / bottle of.
Tip
Not sure? Try counting it: one money, two moneys - impossible, so it is uncountable.
Formula
| Countable | a/an + singular, many + plural | an apple -> three applesHow many apples? |
|---|---|---|
| Uncountable | no a/an, no plural; some / much | some waterHow much money? |
| Measuring uncountables | a piece / cup / bottle of + noun | a cup of teaa piece of advicea bottle of water |
Common mistakes
Wrong: an advice / advicesCorrect: advice / a piece of adviceWrong: The news are good.Correct: The news is good.
Notes
- Common uncountables: water, milk, money, time, advice, information, news, furniture, bread
- Some/any, much/many and a few/a little all depend on countability - see those cards
- A few nouns work both ways: two coffees = two cups of coffee; a hair = one single hair
- Uncountable nouns take a singular verb: The news is good. Money makes the world go round.
Practice
Can you give me some missing word?
How missing word money do you need?
I'd like a missing word of tea.