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Count nouns (also called "countable nouns") are people, places, or things that we can count. They can be singular (a chair, a cup, a cat) or plural (chairs, cups, cats).
Non-count nouns are materials, substances, concepts, information, etc. which we cannot count.
| Here are some common non-count nouns: |
| accommodation |
furniture |
postage |
| advice |
garbage |
progress |
| air |
homework |
research |
| baggage |
information |
software |
| bread |
knowledge |
sugar |
| butter |
love |
traffic |
| clothing |
luggage |
trouble |
| equipment |
money |
water |
| energy |
music |
weather |
| fruit |
news |
work |
Non-count nouns:
=> We do not use "a/an" directly before non-count nouns. To express a quantity of one of these nouns, use a word or phrase like:
◼ a piece of: a piece of bread, a piece of advice, a piece of news
▶ a cup of: a cup of soup, a cup of water, a cup of tea
▶ some: some information, some news, some furniture
▶ a lot of: a lot of water, a lot of luggage, a lot of happiness
=> Non-count nouns are always singular. Remembering this can. help you avoid a lot of mistakes.
Say: This is good news! NOT: These are good news!
Say: The equipment is heavy. NOT: The equipment arc hcarry.
Say: The information is valuable. NOT: The infonnation are valuable.
Say: My luggage is heavy. NOT: My luggage are heairy.
Say: The money is in the bank. NOT: The money are in the bank.
Count nouns:
=> A singular count noun always takes either the indefinite article (a, an) or the definite article (the):
▶ Tracy is looking for a job.
▶ Did Tracy get the job she applied for?
=> A plural count noun takes the definite article (the) if it refers to a definite, specific group. It takes no article if used in a general sense (generalizations):
▶ The dogs you adopted are cute. ( specific => the)
▶ Dogs are fun pets. (general => no article)
Using the quantity expressions much, many, a little, a few:
Much/Many
=> Use much with non-count nouns:
▶ How much change should we bring?
▶ I wish you much happiness. (I wish you a lot of happiness).*
=> Use many with count nouns:
• How many quarters should we bring?
• I took many great classes. (I took a lot of great classes).*
* Note: In statements like these, you can also use "a lot of" instead of "much" or "many." It sounds more conversational.
Little/A Few
=> Use little with non-count nouns:
▶ We have made little progress since the summer.
▶ Sam has little money left.
=> Use few with count nouns:
▶ We have completed a few projects since the summer.
▶ Sam has a few dollars left.
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