Countable or Uncountable Nouns

One of the most confusing grammar categories is “countable” and “uncountable” nouns. There are certain rules to classify nouns whether countable or not. English learners are used to some of them like “a piece of paper” or “a cup of coffee”, and some of you would memorise these nouns without knowing any rules.

Countable nouns are very simple, it’s what you can count objects such as dog, cat, pencil, person, coin, dollar, table, chair, and so on. A/the/my/this is put before these nouns, and you can use them with some, many, any, a few.

• A dog is running over there.
• Do you have any coins?
• I need to buy some chairs.

In contrast, uncountable nouns are substances or concepts which cannot be divided. Uncountable nouns like water, music, love, information, research, rice, gas, money, furniture, luggage, etc are usually used as a singular noun. These nouns can be used with some/any as well,  and also much/a little can be used together.

• I spent much money today.
• Lots of information confuses people.
• Any research of them is not useful.

Probably most of you already understood those basic rules so far, but did you know pasta and ice cream are uncountable? Especially a group of food is very confusing, so let’s see lists and study!   LIST

Here are some questions, if you are not sure about answers, that site of lists is recommended to take a look.

1. We need to buy ( many new / lots of new ) computer equipment.
2. Don’t worry, we have ( many / plenty of ) time to get to the airport.
3. There are ( many / much ) clothing stores in the mall.

Answers: 1. lots of new  2. plenty of  3. many

How did it go? You can study those detailed topics in IELTS course in EC Toronto.