Nouns are either countable or uncountable, and this distinction affects which determiners, quantifiers, and expressions you can use. This guide explains the difference with examples.
Countable Nouns
Countable nouns refer to individual items that can be counted, and they have both singular and plural forms. You can use numbers and quantifiers like many, few, and a/an with countable nouns.
Examples
Por favor, pásame dos manzanas.
Common Countable Nouns
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns refer to substances, qualities, or masses that cannot be counted as individual units. They usually have only a singular form, and you use quantifiers like much, little, and expressions of measure with them.
Examples
Common Uncountable Nouns
Quantifiers
Some quantifiers work only with countable nouns, others only with uncountable nouns, and some can be used with both. Choosing the right quantifier helps make your meaning precise.
Quantifiers for Countable Nouns
Quantifiers for Uncountable Nouns
Quantifiers for Both
Measurement Expressions
When you need to quantify an uncountable noun, use expressions that specify an amount, such as a piece of, a bottle of, or some. These turn the uncountable noun into a countable unit.
Examples
Summary
Identify whether a noun is countable or uncountable to choose the correct determiners and quantifiers. Use measurement expressions to quantify uncountable nouns when needed. Practice with typical nouns to internalize the patterns.
Goal
Teach English in English
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025