All uncountable nouns in English. Countable and uncountable nouns

Therefore, in English, all objects are divided into countable (those that can be counted) and uncountable (those that cannot be counted).

This topic is basic and very important. Therefore, if you don’t deal with it from the very beginning, you will make mistakes as you further study the language.

In this article I will tell you about countable and uncountable nouns and the features of their use.

From the article you will learn:

• General table comparing countable and uncountable nouns

How to determine whether a noun is countable or not?

Noun- a part of speech that denotes an object or person and answers the question “who?”, “what?”.

How to understand which object is in front of us: countable or not?

It seems that everything is simple. However, there is a little trick here.

Let's take the floor money (money). Can we count the money? Of course we can, you say. However, in English money is an uncountable noun.

Can we really say: “one money, second money, third money”? No, we count rubles/dollars/euros: one ruble, two rubles, etc. But we cannot count the word money, so it will be uncountable.

The same goes for water, milk, lemonade and other drinks. We cannot count these concepts themselves: one is water, the other is water.

Therefore, liters and containers will be countable, but the liquid itself will be uncountable.

Let's look at each concept separately.

Countable nouns in English

Countable nouns(count nouns) are those objects that we can count.

For example:

One apple, two apples, three apples.
One apple, two apples, three apples.

Such words have their own characteristics, let's look at them.

1. Countable nouns have a plural form

• singular (one subject)
• plural (several subjects)

In English, plurals are formed by adding the ending -s to a word.

For example:

cat - cats
cat - cats

cup-cups
cup - cups

bag - bags
bag - bags

pen - pens
pen - pens

I talked in detail about the formation of the plural in this article.

2. With countable nouns we use the article a/an

An article is a small tag that is placed before certain words to help us grasp information about them.

The article a/an comes from the word one and means “one thing”, “some, some”.

We use this article when we speak about one subject. Therefore, we can only use it with items that we can count.

For example:

a cat
(one) cat

a bag
(one) bag

a phone
(one) phone

a pen
(one) handle

You can read more about articles in English.

In addition to the article, we can use other words, depending on the meaning we want to convey.

Let's look at all the words that can appear in front of the subject.

• Article a/an (when we are not talking about something specific, but about a general concept)

She bought a dress.
She bought a dress (some kind of dress, we don't know which one exactly)

• Article the (if we are talking about something specific)

She bought the dress.
She bought a dress (we are talking about a specific dress that we know about)

• Possessive pronouns my, your, his, her, their, our (mine, yours, his, her, theirs, ours). They show who owns the item.

She bought my dress.
She bought my dress.

• Words this (this), that (that)

She bought this dress.
She bought this dress.

3. With plural numbers we use the words many and few/afew

Eat words that we can only use with objects that we can count:

• many - a lot
• few - few
• a few - several

For example:

We've dealt with countable nouns, now let's move on to uncountable nouns.

Uncountable nouns in English

(uncount nouns) - something that we cannot count.

Uncountable nouns include:

• Food(usually something small, like cereal or shapeless)

Butter (butter), cheese (cheese), meat (meat), salt (salt), pepper (pepper), bacon (bacon), bread (bread), chocolate (chocolate), ice (ice), etc.

• Liquid

Water (water), lemonade (lemonade), coffee (coffee), milk (milk), tea (tea), wine (wine), petrol (gasoline), oil (oil), etc.

• Materials

Gold (gold), iron (iron), wood (wood), plastic (plastic), paper (paper), etc.

• Abstract concepts

Luck (luck), music (music), news (news), progress (progress), information (information), knowledge (knowledge), etc.

• Gases

Air (air), oxygen (oxygen), smoke (smoke), etc.

• Diseases

Measles (measles), flu (cold), cancer (cancer)

• Kinds of sports

Chess (chess), baseball (baseball), football (soccer), poker (poker), golf (golf), etc.

• Weather phenomena

Weather (weather), heat (heat), wind (wind), rain (rain), snow (snow), etc.

Uncountable nouns also have their own characteristics.

1. They don't change by number.

Such words have only one form - the singular number.

2. With such words we never use the article a/an

We cannot use the article a/an with something that we cannot count. We usually use these words:

• Article the

For example:

I will take the chocolate.
I'll take the chocolate

• The word some - a little, several
  

For example:

I will take some chocolate.
I'll take some chocolate.

3. With uncountable objects we use the words much,little/ alittle

There are words that we can only use with uncountable objects:

• Much (a lot)
• Little
• A little (a little)

For example:

You drink so much coffee!
You drink so much coffee!

They have little money.
They don't have much money.

4. These concepts become countable when we talk about a piece/glass/liter/kilogram of something.

Uncountable:

Can you give me some bread?
Can you give me some bread?

Bring me some water.
Bring me some Water.

Countable:

Can you give me a piece of bread?
Can you give me a piece of bread?

Bring me a glass of water.
Bring me a glass of water.

To reinforce the difference between countable and uncountable nouns, let's look at the general table

Let's take a look at the general table and once again trace the difference between these concepts.

Countable nouns	Uncountable nouns
Something we can count For example: apple, cup, pen, telephone	Something we can't count For example: sugar, water, information, money
May be plural For example: apple - apples, pen - pens	Cannot be plural For example: money - moneys, sugar - sugars
Can be used with the article a Also used: article the words this/that in the words my/your/our	Cannot be used with the article a Most often used with: in the word some article the
Used with words many, few/a few For example: many cups, a few apples	Used with words much, little/ a little For example: much money, a little water

So, we dealt with this topic. Now let's put it into practice.

Reinforcement task

Exercise 1: Choose which of the following words are countable and which are uncountable:

Pear, football, milk, dress, water, lemon, sugar, car, ball, money, coffee, house, butter, bread, candy.

Task 2: Translate the following sentences into English:

1. I have several oranges.
2. Did she earn a lot of money?
3. Does she have a lot of books?
4. Bring me a glass of wine.
5. I need sugar.

We can all count. But is everything countable? For example, how to calculate the weather? Or water or money? “Well, we know how to count money!” - many will object. Okay, let's count: one money, two money, three... Is something wrong? But we can count rubles, dollars or euros very well. Why this conversation? Yes, besides, we will talk about countable and uncountable nouns in the English language.

Why is it important

The fact is that in English there are grammatical differences when using countable and uncountable. This concerns agreement between the subject and the predicate, formation, use, and use of indefinite pronouns.

How to determine countability

Everything is simple here: you need to count. If it turns out, it means the noun is countable. If not, uncountable. We've already counted the money, let's count something else. For example, milk. Try saying: I have five milk. The question immediately arises: why five? Liters? Glasses? Cans? This means milk is an uncountable noun, and a liter, glass or can is a countable noun. We can count hours, days, seconds, but we cannot count time. This means that time is an uncountable noun, and days and hours are countable. Using this principle, you can easily determine which noun is countable and which is not.

Countable nouns

Countables include specific items, objects, people, animals, which we perceive as separate units:

doll - doll
girl - girl
tree - tree
cat - cat
pencil - pencil

Some abstract concepts that can be counted can also be countable:

word - word
desire - desire
idea - idea
decision - decision
order - order

You can always put a numeral in front of them:

four cats – four cats
two decisions - two decisions

Uncountable nouns

Uncountable substances include any substance: liquid, solid, gaseous, or in powder form. This also includes abstract concepts, feelings, emotions, natural phenomena, various sciences and educational subjects, sports, etc. That is, everything that cannot be divided into separate units and, therefore, counted:

peace - peace
gold - gold
time - time
kindness - kindness
love - love

Features of some nouns

Let's take, for example, such nouns as coffee (coffee), tea (tea), beer (beer). These are liquids, they cannot be counted and we classify them as uncountable nouns:

I don't like coffee, I prefer tea.
I do not like coffee, I prefer tea.

But here's another example:

Give us two coffees and a tea, please.
Give us two coffee And tea, Please.

As you can see, seemingly uncountable liquids have become countable. Since in this case we are not interested in abstract coffee and tea, but in a specific volume (cup, portion). We mean it, although we don't name it.

More examples

Here are some more examples where the same noun can have two categories. In this case, the semantic meaning of the word may change. Compare:

The statue is made of stone.
The statue is made from stone.

There are two beautiful stones in the girl's pocket.
The girl has (has) two beautiful pebble.

In the first case, stone is the substance from which the statue is made, so the noun is uncountable. In the second case, a stone is an object that can be counted.

The bridge was not sturdy because it was made out of wood.
The bridge was not strong because it was made of tree.

This wood is huge.
This forest(the forest area) is huge.

Forest is like wood, the material is an uncountable noun. And the forest as a specific area, a forested area, can already be counted.

The sun gives us light and heat.
The sun gives us light and warmth.

The light in the room was dim.
Light(lamp, light bulb) in the room was dim.

In the first case, the word “light” is used as an abstract concept, in the second, a specific light source is meant, of which there may be several (two light bulbs).

Michael has extensive experience in medicine.
Mikhail has a big one experience in medicine.

When we went to Moscow, we had some interesting experiences.
When we went to Moscow, we had several interesting adventure(experiences).

In the first sentence, experience is an abstract, uncountable concept; in the second, it is specific interesting moments in life that can be counted.

Thus, depending on the meaning, the same noun can be countable or uncountable. How to determine? The old proven way: count.

Language Differences

advice - advice
work - work
news - news
baggage - luggage
knowledge - knowledge
information – information, message
progress – progress, success
hair - hair

However, there are pitfalls here too. For example, the word hair is uncountable; in English, hair cannot be counted. But there is a noun a hair, which is translated as “hair” and is countable:

There are two hairs on your dress.
There (are) two here hair on your dress.

Let's move on to grammar

We have learned how to determine the countability of English nouns, now let's see where this can come in handy. The fact is that there are very important grammatical differences in the use of countable and uncountable nouns.

1. English nouns vary in number and can be singular or plural. But this only applies to countable nouns. All uncountable nouns are used only in the singular. Don't try to pluralize them, it will be a mistake. In a sentence, uncountable nouns agree with the singular verb and can be replaced by the pronoun it:

This advice is very useful.
This advice very helpful.

Water freezes at a temperature of zero degrees.
Water freezes at zero degrees.

I would like to remind you that the word news also belongs to the uncountable, therefore, despite the ending – s, it is a singular noun:

No news is good news.
Absence news- good news.

1. I think you know that nouns are used with articles, which can be and.

Both articles are used with countable nouns:

There is a big tree in the yard.
There is a big one in the yard tree.

The tree is very old.
Tree very old.

The indefinite article cannot be used with uncountable nouns. This is explained simply: the indefinite article a/an comes from the English word one, which means “one”. Since uncountable nouns cannot be counted, the article a/an cannot be used either. These nouns are either preceded by a definite article, or no article is placed at all:

Water is very important for life on the Earth.
Water very important for life on the ground.

The water in the stream is cold and clean.
Water the stream is cold and clean.

1. Both countable and uncountable nouns can be used with the indefinite pronouns some and any. However, countable nouns in this case must be in the plural:

I have some friends in Brazil.
I have some friends in Brazil.

He took some money and went to the store.
He took money (some money) and went to the store.

1. The use of nouns with the pronouns much, many, little, few also has its own rules.

• The pronouns many (many), how many (how much, how much), (a) few (little, little) can only be used with countable nouns:

He doesn't usually ask many questions.
He usually doesn't ask many questions.

There are a few flowers in the garden.
There is in the garden some flowers.

• The pronouns much, how much, (a) little are used only with uncountable nouns:

How much time do you usually spend on this kind of work?
How much time do you usually spend on this kind of work?

There is a little milk in the cup.
There is in the cup some milk.

• The expression a lot of (a lot) is used with any nouns:

There are a lot of cars in the yard.
In the courtyard a lot of cars.

There is a lot of water in the glass.
In glass much water.

Knowing the grammatical features of countable and uncountable nouns will help you avoid many mistakes. But theory without practice is quickly forgotten. Channel “English – speak freely!” will give you the opportunity to practice your English at any time of the day. See you on air!

All nouns belong to one of two groups: countable or uncountable. Division intocountable and uncountable in Englishdiffers from Russian, so this topic is challenging for language learners.

Depending on belonging to one of the two categories, some grammatical indicators change in English: the choice of the number of the noun and the agreement of the verb with it, the use of articles, the use of the words much / many and few / little.

In the article we will consider which words belong to each group and analyze what the choice inEnglish countable and uncountablenouns

What can and cannot be counted

Countable nouns are objects that can be listed and counted. For example, a pencil - a pencil. This word belongs to the class of countable nouns because we can count many pencils: one pencil, two pencils, three pencils, and so on. For such nouns there are singular and plural forms.

Uncountable nouns are those for which we cannot list objects and count the elements of the set. An example of such words is water. When we talk about water, it is simply impossible to calculate how many elements are in it.

It is the principle of countability that underlies the distinction between countable and uncountable words. In theory, everything seems simple, but in practice, controversial situations arise. To avoid them, let's look at each type of noun in more detail.

Countable nouns in English

The R class of countable nouns includes, as we have already said, objects that can be counted. These are everyday objects familiar to us (table), people (boy) and many other words.

Countable nouns vary according to number. In the plural, -s is added to them: pencil (pencil) - pencils (pencils). The verb to be with such nouns takes both singular and plural forms:

There are many cars on the road - There are many cars on the road.

His car is very expensive - His car is very expensive.

For countable objects there can be either an indefinite or a definite article:

I have a car - I have a car.

The car needs to be repaired - The car needs repairs.

Uncountable nouns

IN The following categories fall into:

1. Sensations, feelings, emotions: hate, fear, happiness and others. A mental state cannot be enumerated; we either experience an emotion or not, so such words belong to the class of uncountable.
2. Abstract nouns: information (information), space (space), time (time) and others. We cannot see or touch abstract nouns and we cannot count them. These concepts are immaterial and do not exist in the objective world, therefore they are defined as uncountable. There's no doubt about itcountable information or not, you shouldn't have it left.
3. Weather phenomena: weather (weather), cold (cold), wind (wind)... Such words also belong to the class of uncountable.
4. Substances and materials: wood (wood), salt (salt), flour (flour), water (water)... The peculiarity of substances is that they do not consist of elements that can be counted. Any part of flour is still flour, any part of water is still water.

Now let's see if it is usedis or are with uncountables. These nouns can only be in the singular, so the verb agrees with them in the singular:

Fear is a destructive feeling - Fear is a destructive feeling.

Salt is necessary for the human body - Salt is necessary for the human body.

The definite article can be used with words of this class, but the indefinite article is not possible. The indefinite article a / an contains the idea of ​​​​selecting one object from a set, which contradicts the idea of ​​​​uncountable nouns. Whereas the definite article the can be used with uncountable objects:

The weather is great today - The weather is great today.

Complex cases

But also list of uncountable nouns in Englishmay raise questions. It is not always easy to determine what type an object is. What complicates the situation is that in Russian the distribution into two classes can occur somewhat differently.

For example, in Russian we can use the same noun in both senses: as a countable object and as an uncountable one. Whereas in English we often use different words for the two types. For example, the abstract work is a non-countable type. If we want to talk about a specific job, workplace or position, we use the countable noun job:

I have a lot of work to do - I have a lot of work (that is, things that need to be done - abstract noun, uncountable)

I’ve found a new job - I found a new job (i.e. fasting, workplace - specific usage, countable)

The same situation applies to the word food. So as not to doubtcountable food or not, you need to remember its difference with the word meal (food, meal). When it comes to defining edible products, the word food is used, and when talking about food intake, the word meal is used. In this case, the first word refers to the uncountable, and the second to the countable.

I want to live long so I only eat healthy food - I want to live long, so I only eat healthy food.

Try to have more than three meals a day - Try to eat food more often than 3 times a day.

Another example is the word “tree”, which in Russian can mean both the material from which objects are made and a specific tree. In English, the word wood is used for a material, and tree for a specific object.

This table is made of wood - This table is made of wood (material - uncountable)

This tree on the side of the road is very old - This tree on the edge of the road is very old (concrete tree - countable)

Uncountable nouns are used in singular sentences. And here there are also discrepancies with the Russian language: some words in Russian are plural, whereas in English they are singular. For example, iscountable or not money(money)? The plural in Russian translation should not confuse you: in English this word belongs to the class of uncountable.

Money doesn’t always bring happiness - Money doesn’t always bring happiness.

An illustrative example is the word news. Formally, it has the form of a plural. But it is an uncountable noun, and it always agrees with a singular verb:

In the modern world news is everything - In the modern world, news means everything.

Difficulties also arise when the same concept in English and Russian refers to different classes. For example, does it belong tocountable or uncountable advice(advice)? A countable or uncountable furniture(furniture)? Let's see which words in English belong to a different class than in Russian.

Uncountable nouns in English are:

• news - news
• advice - advice
• work - work
• knowledge - knowledge

Understanding, for example,countable or not knowledge(knowledge), we should not focus on other languages. After all, we can translate this word into Russian both singular and plural:

Knowledge is the key to success - Knowledge / Knowledge is the key to success.

Students often have questions about the following words:

• furniture - furniture
• damage - damage
• baggage - luggage
• traffic - traffic movement
• food - food

Remember that all of these examples belong to the class of uncountable words.

Transfer from one class to another

Words from one class can be transferred to another. For this purpose, the names of containers or units of measurement are used. We cannot count the substance itself, but we can always count the packages or the number of kilograms.

• bottle - bottle: a bottle of wine - a bottle of wine
• plate - plate, portion: a plate of meat - portion of meat
• bar - piece: a bar of soap - bar of soap
• sheet - sheet: a sheet of paper - sheet of paper
• slice - hunk: a slice of bread - slice of bread
• glass - glass: a glass of water - glass of water
• jar - jar: a jar of jam - jar of jam
• cup - cup: a cup of coffee - cup of coffee
• kilo - kilogram: a kilo of meat - kilogram of meat
• liter - liter: a liter of water - liter of water
• piece - piece: a piece of bread - piece of bread

The expression “a piece of” is used not only for material objects, but can also be applied to abstract concepts. This is how advice becomes countable in the construction a piece of advice.

If we use such constructions, then the verb agrees in number with them, which means it can take a plural form:

Here are two bottles of juice - Here are two bottles of juice.

Usually when askedcountable or uncountable soup(soup), we answer that it is uncountable. However, when used in the construction “a bowl of soup”, it becomes possible to count individual objects.

When one of the above methods of indicating quantity turns out to be very common, the word denoting capacity may be omitted from the sentence. For example, coffee or tea is characterized by the use of the word “cup”. Therefore, it can only be implied in the phrase, but not expressed. Then the words coffee and tea act as countable words.

Two coffees, please - Two coffees, please.

Transition from one class to another is possible without special pointers. Some uncountable nouns can be pluralized. At the same time, their meaning changes.

Let's take the floor time: countable or not? We have already said that time, as an abstract noun, is uncountable. However, it also has another meaning: when used as a countable noun, time takes on the meaning of “time”: one time (one time), two times (two times):

I’ve seen him four times today - I saw him four times today.

The already discussed word work, which in ordinary use refers to uncountable nouns, can change class and become countable. Then this word takes on the meaning of “work”:

I love the works of this painter - I love the works of this artist.

Beginners learning English may be confused by the question:countable or uncountable fruit(fruits). The fact is that when we use this word to mean a type of food, the noun acts as an uncountable. And when it is pluralized, the word takes on additional meanings: different types of fruit or the fruit of a tree.

In order to be healthy, you need to eat fruit - To be healthy, you need to eat fruit (used as an uncountable).

What fruits can we buy here? - What fruits can we buy here? (Use as a countable).

For words related to food, such transfers from one class to another are a characteristic feature. The noun wine (wine) denotes a type of drink in an uncountable form, but in the meaning of different types of wine it becomes countable and has a plural form:

When I drink wine I always feel bad - When I drink wine, I always feel bad (drink type)

We tasted some marvelous wines - We tasted amazing wines (different varieties).

Other words on this topic can be cited as examples. Try to determinepotato: countable or uncountable?

You shouldn’t eat potato - You shouldn’t eat potatoes.

One potato is enough, I’ve had lunch recently - One potato is enough, I recently had lunch.

As in the examples above, when we use potato as a type of food, we are using the word as an uncountable word. And in countable form the word takes on the meaning “potato”.

The noun hair (hair) is usually used in the singular as an uncountable when we talk about the totality of hair on the head:

His hair is dark - He has dark hair.

But if we are talking about a single hair, hair becomes countable. In Russian, we can emphasize a singular object using the expression “one hair” or leave the plural:

There is a hair in my tea! - There is hair in my tea!

There are also different uses for the word paper.Countable or not paper? In the meaning of “paper” this noun acts as an uncountable noun. And as a countable it means newspaper/document/written work.

Do you have enough paper? - Do you have enough paper?

I love to read papers - I love reading newspapers.

Quantity indication

The choice of quantity indicators depends on the countability of the word. These include many / much, few / little. In each pair, the first word is used with countable nouns, the second - with uncountable nouns.

It is the distribution oncountable and uncountable in Englishdetermines the choice of quantitative word. For example, apple is a countable word, so many exponents will be used with it. Whereas with words like water (water) much is used.

Here are examples for each use:

• many - a lot (with countable ones): Many years have passed - Many years have passed.
• much - a lot (with uncountables): There is much love in the world - There is a lot of love in the world.
• few - few (with countable): Too few people agreed to do this - Too few people agreed to do this.
• little - little (with uncountables): I have little time - I have little time.

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In one of our topics (Countable and uncountable nouns. Using the article “a/an”) we talked about the fact that the words “fruit” and “fish” can be both countable and uncountable nouns.

Let's talk about these cases so that we know when to use an article and when not to.

Fruit

1. So, if you mean fruits as a type of food, those. this is a common collective name, then fruit is considered uncountable a noun that can have only unit form — fruit, and consequently, used without an article“a”/”an” and agrees with the singular verb.

E.g. Fruit is very useful food. – Fruits are very healthy food.

Canned fruit. - Canned fruits.

2. However, if by fruit you mean a specific type of fruit(for example, citrus or seasonal), then fruit has only plural form. h. – fruits and also used without the article “a”/”an”.

— What are the local fruits? – What fruits are especially common in this area?

— Mostly pears and apples. -Mainly pears and apples.

3. If it comes about the botanical term “fruit – fruits” any plant, then in this case it will be: a fruit - fruits

E.g. These trees give very tasty fruits. These trees bear very tasty fruits.

4. The word “fruit” also has a figurative meaning - success, fruits of labor, those. the result of some activity. In this case, the word “fruit” will be in plural in combination with the definite article and the preposition of:

the fruits of learning - the fruits of learning,

the fruits of labor - the fruits of labor.

5. In American slang "a fruit" translated as "strange guy" Remember the Russian equivalent: “He’s still that type!”

E.g. He comes on like a fruit. - He seems like a strange guy.

Fish

1. In its basic meaning “fish” (i.e. some kind of fish) the word "fish" is a countable noun whose singular form is and plural matches: a fish – two fish – many fish , i.e. in the singular the article “a”/”an” is required.

Please note that the coincidence of unit forms. and many more numbers will also be observed in fish species, i.e.:

a code(cod) – three cod (three cod) – many codes(lots of cod)

a pike(pike) – two pike (two pikes) – many pikes(lots of pike)

2. If you use the word "fish" meaning "different types of fish", then it is necessary to say fishes and agree the word with the plural verb, i.e. there is no question of any article “a”/”an”.

The Peter was given a colorful album on tropical fishes. – Petya was given a colorful album dedicated to tropical fish.

3. If the word "fish" is used as a food product then "fish" is considered uncountable noun having only unit form

Fish is very helpful food. – Fish is a very healthy food.

4. If "fish" is used as a collective noun, i.e. you talk about fish as a class, then these words will be consistent with plural verb. and have only form fish. The article “a”/”an” cannot be used.

How do fish breathe? – How does a fish breathe?

We also suggest that you remember a few common expressions with the word “fish”:

to feel like a fish out of water - to feel out of place.

to drink like a fish - to get drunk, to drink without drying out

neither fish, nor fowl - neither fish nor meat

freshwater (saltwater) fish - freshwater (sea) fish

fish story - “hunting story”; tall tales

filleted fish - fish fillet

an odd fish - strange person

All's fish that comes to his net. - For lack of fish and cancer, fish

Today we will look at which nouns in English are countable and which are not. Let's find out what to do if a noun can be either countable or uncountable. Let’s also remember which qualifying words need to be used in this or that case.

In this article we will learn English grammar literally with our fingers. If the number of nouns can be counted, they are countable; if not, they are uncountable. It's simple: three apples, two eggs and flour - it's unlikely that anyone will count it grain by grain. However, there are exceptions: some nouns in Russian can be counted, but not in English, and vice versa. In this case, a dictionary will help you. Also, some nouns in English can be either countable or uncountable - it depends on the context.

Want to practice using countable and uncountable nouns? Sign up for and learn grammar without cramming - using simple examples from life.

Countable nouns in English

Countable nouns in English can be used in either the singular form or the plural form.

I have a car. - I have car.
There are 40 cars in our Nissan dealership. - At our Nissan dealership 40 cars.

Countable nouns in the singular cannot be used alone; they must be preceded by a qualifying word, for example, (my - my, his - his, our - ours, etc.) or a demonstrative pronoun (this - this, that - that ).

Let's find out in more detail what and when is best to use with singular countable nouns.

1. Indefinite article a/an. It is believed that this article comes from the word one (one). Therefore, it should be used when we are talking about one of many - an indefinite object, person or phenomenon.

   She has got a car. - She has car. (some one)
   My friend is a doctor. - My friend is a doctor. (one class representative)

   If we use an adjective when describing something for the first time, we first put the article a/an, then the adjective and only then the noun.

   I heard a wonderful song last night. - Last night I heard beautiful song.
   Rome is a beautiful city. - Rome - beautiful city.

2. The definite article is the. It is believed that this article takes its roots from the pronoun that (that). Therefore, we use it when we talk about something specific that is known to both interlocutors.

   Can you open the window, please? - Could you open it? window, Please? (both know which window needs to be opened).
   I'm going to clean the car tomorrow. - I'm going to wash it tomorrow car. (both know which car we are talking about)

3. Possessive and demonstrative pronouns. Use possessive adjectives (my - mine, your - yours / yours, his - his, her - hers, its - his / her, our - ours, their - theirs) if it is appropriate in the context and you want to indicate what belongs to whom .

   This is her daughter. - This her daughter.
   My dog doesn't bite. - My dog doesn't bite.

   Or you can use a demonstrative pronoun (this - this, that - that).

   This actor is brilliant. - This actor brilliant.
   That man is staring at me. - That man stares at me.

Why use countable nouns in the plural?

1. Zero article. That is, we simply don’t put anything. We use this rule if we are talking about something in general, without specifying anything.

   She likes roses. - She likes roses. (roses in general, not specific)
   Cars pollute our environment. - Cars pollute our environment. (cars in general, not specific ones)

2. The definite article is the. The same rule works here as in the case of singular nouns - we use the if we are talking about something specific or known to the interlocutor.

   The children are playing in the park. - Kids are playing in the park. (we know what kind of children we are talking about)
   Where are the books I gave you? - Where books that I gave you? (specific books)

3. Indefinite pronouns some, any. Use these qualifiers if you don't know the exact quantity of what you're talking about.

   We usually use some (several) in affirmative sentences.

   There are some birds in the tree. - Sits on a tree several birds. (we don't know how many birds)
   We need to buy some balloons for the party. - We need to buy several balls for a party.

   Any is often used in interrogative and negative sentences instead of some.

   I have not bought any apples. - I didn't buy apples.
   Do you have any questions? - You have questions?

   Note that any in an affirmative sentence takes on the meaning of “any.”

   You can buy any dress you like. - You can buy any dress, which you like.

4. Words denoting quantity (quantifiers). It can be:
   • many, a lot of - a lot

     In colloquial speech, we often use many in interrogative and negative sentences, and lot of in affirmative ones. In a formal style, the expression a lot of is not recommended.

     We didn't take many pictures. - We did not many photos.
     I've seen a lot of great films recently. - I watched a lot of excellent films last time.

   • a few - several, few - few

     It is interesting that only the article a distinguishes a few (a little, but enough) from few (not enough, not enough).

     I have a few close friends. - I have some loved ones friends. (it suits me)
     Few people know about this. - A few people know about it. (I wish there was more)

Uncountable nouns in English

Uncountable nouns in English have only one form and agree with a singular verb.

There is sand in my shoes. - In my shoes sand.
Your luggage looks heavy. - Is yours luggage looks heavy.

Uncountable nouns in English can be divided into several semantic groups:

• food: meat (meat), salt (salt), bread (bread), chocolate (chocolate), soup (soup);
• liquids: tea (tea), coffee (coffee), lemonade (lemonade), petrol (gasoline), oil (oil), shampoo (shampoo);
• materials and substances: gold (gold), wood (wood), sand (sand), paper (paper), coal (coal);
• abstract concepts: happiness (happiness), love (love), friendship (friendship), beauty (beauty);
• subjects of study and languages: chemistry (chemistry), literature (literature), Spanish (Spanish language), English (English language);
• diseases: flu (flu), mumps (mumps), measles (measles);
• other: money (money), furniture (furniture), weather (weather).

What can be used together with uncountable nouns?

1. Zero article if we are talking about something in general.

   She prefers green tea. - She prefers green tea.

2. The definite article the, when we are talking about something specific.

   The tea that she served was delicious. - Tea The one she served was delicious.

3. Some, any. The rules of use are the same as in the case of countable nouns: in the affirmative form we often use some, in the negative and interrogative form - any. We use it when we mean a certain quantity, and most often we do not translate it into Russian.

   I have some money in my wallet. - I have money in the wallet.

   Do you have any luggage with you? - You have baggage with myself?
   - No, I don’t have any luggage. - No, I do not have luggage.

   Please note that some can be used in interrogative sentences when we offer or ask for something.

   Would you like some wine? - Would you like to have a drink? guilt?
   Can you lend me some money? - Could you lend me money?

4. Words denoting quantity:
   • much, a lot of - a lot

     As in the case of countable nouns, in informal speech we use much in negative or interrogative sentences, and a lot of in affirmative ones.

     Why do you need so much time for the survey? - Why do you need this? a lot of time for a survey?
     You have a lot of furniture in your room. - In your room A lot of furniture.

   • a little - little, little - not enough

     Please note that, as in the case of a few / few, the difference in meaning between a little / little is associated with the article: a little - a little (enough), little - little (not enough).

     Pour a little milk in this glass, please. - Pour it some milk in this glass, please.
     I have little milk, this is not enough for coffee. - I have little milk, it won't be enough for coffee.

   • To indicate quantities of uncountable foods and substances, use countable containers or units of measurement. For example: a kilo of sugar - a kilogram of sugar, a bottle of water - a bottle of water, a slice of pizza - a piece of pizza, etc.

     Shall I bring a bottle of wine? - Bring me some bottle of wine?

     If you cannot find a unit of measurement, then use the construction a piece of or a bit of.

     I have two pieces of news- good and bad. Which should I start with? - I have two news- good and bad. Which one should I start with?

In the table below you will find the most common uncountable nouns in English and examples of their use. Pay attention to the use of qualifiers, indefinite pronouns, many/little, and verb agreement.

Noun	Example
accommodation - housing	I need to find some accommodation for these four months. - I need to find housing for these four months.
advice - advice	I need a piece of good advice. - I need a good one advice.
baggage (AmE), luggage (BrE) - luggage	How much luggage have you got? - How much do you have? luggage?
equipment - equipment, equipment, device	This hospital has a lot of new equipment. - In this hospital a lot of new equipment.
furniture - furniture	There is little furniture in my house. - In my house little furniture.
information - information	It was a helpful piece of information. - It was useful information.
homework - homework	She has a lot of homework to do. - She needs to do a lot of homework.
housework - housework	I have a little housework today. I just need to do the ironing. - I have today a little housework. I just need to stroke it.
knowledge - knowledge	Unfortunately, I had little knowledge to pass the exam. - Unfortunately, I had little knowledge to take the test.
litter, rubbish (BrE), garbage (AmE) - garbage	Our planet is full of litter. - Our planet is full garbage.
luck - luck	Any luck with the booking? - Eat successes with reservation??
news - news	The news was very exciting. - News were very exciting.
progress - progress	I haven't made any progress. - I didn't achieve it no progress.
traffic - road traffic	Traffic was blocked by some roadworks. - Road traffic was blocked due to road works.

Nouns that can be either countable or uncountable

Depending on the context, the same noun in English can be either countable or uncountable. Let's look at examples of their use with the corresponding qualifiers, pronouns, words “many”/“little”.

Uncountable	Countable
Coffee and tea as drinks, liquids I don't drink much coffee. I prefer tea. - I do not drink a lot of coffee, I prefer tea.	Coffee and tea as a cup of drink Can we have a tea and a coffee? - Can we ( cup) tea And ( cup) coffee?
Cake as food Would you like some of my birthday cake? - Do you want something festive? cake? - Just a little. - Only A little.	One whole cake I need to buy two big cakes for the party. - I need to buy two large cake for a party.
Chocolate as food I am allergic to chocolate. - I'm allergic to chocolate.	Chocolate candy in a box I've found a box of chocolates. - I found box of chocolates.
Hair She has long hair. - She has long hair.	Hair There is a hair in my soup! - In my soup hair!
Time I don't have much free time this week. - I have a little free time this week. time.	Number of times I go to the gym three times a week. - I go to gym three times in Week.
Paper as a material Can you give me some paper, please? - Could you give me paper, Please?	Newspaper, document I bought an interesting paper. - I bought an interesting one newspaper.
Glass I saw some glass near the broken window. - I saw glass near the broken window.	Cup Can I have a glass of orange juice, please? - Can I cup orange juice please?
Free space, space There is no room on the wall to hang a picture. - Not on the wall places to hang a picture.	Room There are five rooms in this house. - In this house five rooms.
Job I had troubles finding work after graduation - It was not easy for me to find work after graduation.	Work, product There are more than one thousand works of art in this museum. - This museum has more thousands of works art.
Stone as a material This palace was built of stone. - This castle was built from stone.	Piece of stone A robber threw a stone at a bank's window. - The robber threw stone through the bank window.
Affairs, business I have some unfinished business to go here. - I have unfinished ones here affairs.	Company He runs a small business. - He runs a small company.

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We hope that our article helped you understand the difference between countable and uncountable nouns. Of course, there are many nuances and exceptions, which are simply impossible to talk about in one article. so as not to miss the next articles on grammar - and there will be a lot of them, we promise!