Grammar: Countable and Uncountable Nouns
Countable vs. Uncountable
Do I count it, or not?
✓ Countable Nouns
These are nouns that we can count. They have a singular and a plural form.
- We can use
a/anwith them: an apple, a book - We can use numbers with them: one cat, three dogs
- They have a plural form: apple → apples, cat → cats
- We ask "How many?": How many chairs do you have?
✗ Uncountable Nouns
These are nouns we cannot count. They are seen as a whole or a mass. They usually only have a singular form.
- We cannot use
a/an:a water,an advice - We cannot use numbers:
one rice,two milks - They (usually) have no plural form:
rices,furnitures - We ask "How much?": How much money do you have?
Using "Some" and "Any"
Good news! You can use some and any with BOTH countable and uncountable nouns.
- Some: "I have
someapples." (Countable) - Some: "I need
somewater." (Uncountable) - Any: "Do you have
anypencils?" (Countable) - Any: "I don't have
anymoney." (Uncountable)
Comparison Table
| Feature | ✓ Countable | ✗ Uncountable |
|---|---|---|
| Can we count them? | Yes (one apple, two apples) | No (we can't say "one water") |
| Singular / Plural | Has both (book / books) | Only singular (rice) |
Use with a / an? |
Yes (a cat, an hour) | No ( |
Use with some / any? |
Yes (some chairs, any chairs) | Yes (some sugar, any sugar) |
| Question form? | Yes (How many books?) | Yes (How much water?) |
Visual Examples
Look at these examples to understand the difference better!
✓ Countable Nouns
Apple
1 apple, 2 apples
Countable
Book
a book, many books
Countable
Dog
one dog, three dogs
Countable
Pencil
a pencil, some pencils
Countable
✗ Uncountable Nouns
Water
some water (NOT: a water)
Uncountable
Rice
much rice (NOT: rices)
Uncountable
Milk
a lot of milk
Uncountable
Bread
some bread
Uncountable
Sentence Examples
Countable:
• I have three cats.
• She bought a new phone.
• How many students are there?
• There are a few chairs in the room.
• I have three cats.
• She bought a new phone.
• How many students are there?
• There are a few chairs in the room.
Uncountable:
• I need some water.
• He gave me good advice.
• How much sugar do you want?
• There is a little milk left.
• I need some water.
• He gave me good advice.
• How much sugar do you want?
• There is a little milk left.
Remember: To count uncountable nouns, use containers or portions:
• a glass of water
• two cups of coffee
• a piece of advice
• three slices of bread
• a glass of water
• two cups of coffee
• a piece of advice
• three slices of bread
Test Your Knowledge!
Choose the correct word for each sentence.
