In this lesson we’re looking at Countable and Uncountable nouns in English.
If you need help to destinguish between countable and uncountable nouns, this is the right lesson for you. We’re going to look at lots of different countable and uncountable nouns, as well as how to use them with articles and key words like little, few, some or any.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
Countable nouns
So what is a countable noun? Here’s an example. “Mango” is a countable noun. It can be singular (mango) or plural (mangoes).
I love mangoes.
I eat a mango at every meal.
Countable nouns can be used with numbers: “Three mangoes.” “Twenty mangoes.” Here are a few more examples of countable nouns:
Bob has two cars, he’s very rich.
I saw a great film last night.
How many children have you got?
This island has lots of beautiful waterfalls.
Do you keep chickens?
Uncountable nouns
So what’s an uncountable noun then? Let me give you an exmaple. “Rice” is an uncountable noun. It only has one form (rice).
I love rice.
I eat rice at every meal.
Uncountable nouns cannot be used with numbers, we cannot say “Three rices.” “Twenty rices.” Here are a few more examples of uncountable nouns:
There is too much traffic on the roads nowadays.
I listen to music while I work.
Do you want some water?
This island has wonderful fresh air.
Using A & AN with countable nouns
A and AN can be used with singular countable nouns:
an apple / a problem / a university
Singular countable nouns cannot be used alone (A / AN / YOUR etc.)
Can I have a mango? (not “Can I have mango?”)
I read an article in the paper. (not “article in the paper.”)
You can, however, use a plural countable noun alone:
I love mangoes.
Smartphones are quite expensive.
Using A & AN with uncountable nouns
A and AN cannot usually be used with uncountable nouns. We cannot say“a milk” “a water” “a sand“. You can, however, use A…OF. For example:
a pint of milk / a glass of water / a bucket of sand
Uncountable nouns can be used alone (without A / AN / YOUR etc.):
Would you like more rice?
I have sand in my bag.
Match the halves of these sentences that use countable and uncountable nouns.
Using SOME / ANY / MANY / FEW with countable nouns
SOME and ANY can be used with plural countable nouns:
Would you like some sausages?
Have you got any gloves?
Choose the correct missing word or words from the sentences.
Using SOME / ANY / MUCH / LITTLE with uncountable nouns
SOME and ANY can be used with uncountable nouns:
Would you like some rice?
Do you have any money?
We can also use MUCH and LITTLE with uncountable nouns:
They didn’t have much time.
I have a little wine left.
Decide if the underlined word needs to be corrected. Choose OK if you think that the sentence works.
