Countable and Uncountable Nouns for intermediate learners
It's important to know if a noun is countable or uncountable. This is going to help us to use the correct article. Let's learn more.
What Are Countable and Uncountable Nouns?
In English, we categorize nouns into two groups based on whether they are counted or not. Take a look at the list below:
- Countable Nouns
- Uncountable Nouns
Countable Nouns
In English, most nouns are countable which means they can be counted. By adding an '-s', we can easily turn them into plural nouns that refer to more than one object. Take a look at the examples below:
I found one
Jonathan can watch five
Uncountable Nouns
Some nouns cannot be counted and they do not change their forms like countable nouns. Let us examine some of them.
- Languages: The names of different languages are uncountable.
Don't you like to learn
She speaks
- Sports: The names of sports are also uncountable.
Harry played
The children can choose to play
( Not Volleyballs or baseballs..)
- Subjects and Fields: Most subjects and fields such as music, literature, poetry, physics, mathematics, etc. cannot be counted.
She hates to do her
Does she listen to metal
- Some materials like tea, rice, water, sugar, salt, etc. cannot be counted.
Can you give me some
You are not allowed to have any
Tip!
It is useful to know that feelings are also uncountable nouns. Let us see some examples below:
Can you define
(Not Can you define hapinesses...)
She cannot hide her
(Not she cannot hide her sadnesses...)
Warning!
Always remember that we can use a definite or an indefinite article before a countable noun, but when we use an uncountable noun we cannot add an article to it. Pay attention to the following examples:
There is
( Not there is a wine ...)
She always has
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