Countable nouns refer to things you can count (e.g., one apple, two apples). Uncountable nouns refer to substances or concepts that cannot be divided into separate elements (e.g., water, information). This guide explains the rules and shows how to use these nouns correctly.
Countable Nouns
Countable nouns name things that can be counted as individual units. They have both singular and plural forms. You can use numbers directly with these nouns and use quantifiers like “many,” “few,” “a few,” “some,” and “several.”
Usage
- Singular countable nouns use a or an (e.g., a book, an apple).
- Plural countable nouns use -s or -es (e.g., books, boxes).
- Can be preceded by numbers (e.g., three cars, ten chairs).
Examples
| Singular | Plural | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| apple | apples | She has an apple. |
| car | cars | There are five cars. |
| dog | dogs | I saw two dogs. |
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns name substances, concepts, or groups that cannot be counted individually. They do not have a plural form and cannot be used with numbers directly. Use quantifiers like “some,” “much,” “a little,” and “a lot of” instead.
Usage
- Do not use a or an with uncountable nouns.
- No plural form (e.g., informations is incorrect).
- Use quantifiers to indicate quantity (e.g., some water, a little sugar).
Examples
| Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| water | I need some water. |
| sugar | She put a little sugar in tea. |
| information | We received a lot of information. |
Common Mistakes
Using “a” or “an” with Uncountable Nouns
- Incorrect: I need a water.
- Correct: I need some water.
Using Plural Forms for Uncountable Nouns
- Incorrect: There are many informations.
- Correct: There is much information.
Using “many” with Uncountable Nouns
- Incorrect: How many sugar do you want?
- Correct: How much sugar do you want?
Quantifiers for Countable and Uncountable Nouns
| Quantifier | Countable Example | Uncountable Example |
|---|---|---|
| some | I have some books. | I need some milk. |
| any | Are there any apples? | Is there any water? |
| many | There are many chairs. | — |
| much | — | There is much noise. |
| a few | I have a few pens. | — |
| a little | — | I have a little time. |
Conclusion
- Use countable nouns for things you can count directly.
- Use uncountable nouns for substances or concepts that cannot be divided.
- Choose quantifiers and articles based on whether the noun is countable or uncountable.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
