Countable and Uncountable Nouns helps you communicate about quantity and reference. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can distinguish countable and uncountable nouns and choose suitable quantity expressions.
- Recognise and build the form: count noun with a/an/numbers; mass noun with some/much and singular verb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Countable and Uncountable Nouns for quantity and reference. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Could I have some information?
'Information' is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
She gave me three useful suggestions.
'Suggestion' is countable and must be plural after 'three'.
We need some new equipment.
'Equipment' is uncountable, so use 'some', not 'an' or 'many'.
count noun with a/an/numbers; mass noun with some/much and singular verbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Information' is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
- 'Suggestion' is countable and must be plural after 'three'.
- 'Equipment' is uncountable, so use 'some', not 'an' or 'many'.
- 'Luggage' is uncountable and takes 'much'.
- 'Chair' is a countable noun and is plural after 'two'.
Common mistakes
Not:Could I have some informations?
Use:Could I have some information?
'Information' is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
Not:She gave me three useful advice.
Use:She gave me three useful suggestions.
'Suggestion' is countable and must be plural after 'three'.
Not:We need an new equipment.
Use:We need some new equipment.
'Equipment' is uncountable, so use 'some', not 'an' or 'many'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
How ____ luggage are you taking?
much
'Luggage' is uncountable and takes 'much'.
There are only two ____ left.
chairs
'Chair' is a countable noun and is plural after 'two'.
The news ____ encouraging.
is
'News' is grammatically singular despite ending in '-s'.