In English, nouns are divided into countable (abbreviated C) and uncountable (abbreviated U). Nouns that can be multiplied are called countable nouns. Only countable nouns can be plural. For example, pen and umbrella can be multiplied.
Therefore we can say:
- two pens
- five umbrellas
Note that to use the countable noun singular, it must be preceded by an article (a / an), e.g.
- There is pencil on the table - incorrect
- There is a pencil on the table - Correct
- It may rain. You had better take umbrella - Incorrect
- It may rain. You had better take an umbrella - Correct
What is an Uncountable Noun?
Uncountable noun means something that cannot be multiplied. For example, furniture and information - these two nouns are uncountable. This type of noun cannot be called plural.
It would be wrong to write furnitures and informations. These should be used as singular. However, the article (a / an) can not be placed before them.
What Are the Core Rules of Countable and Uncountable Nouns?
The point is -
- a) Countable noun can be plural.
- b) If the countable noun is singular, then a / an must be placed before it.
- c) Uncountable noun cannot be plural.
- d) A / an cannot be placed before Uncountable noun.
Which Nouns Are Generally Uncountable?
Therefore it is necessary to know which nouns are uncountable. The following classified nouns are generally uncountable:
- a) Fluids: water, milk, oil, ink, soup.
- b) Gases (gaseous substances): hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, air, smoke
- c) Natural phenomena: electricity. heat, darkness, sunshine, weather
- d) Materials too small to be counted: sand, dirt, salt, rice, flour
- e) Academic disciplines: mathematics. geography, physics, chemistry, biology
- f) Abstractions (something that cannot be seen or touched): love, sympathy, courage. beauty, freedom
- g) Other Intangibles: work, advice, information, knowledge
- h) Diseases: cholera, malaria, diabetes, influenza, dysentery
- i) Languages: Bengali, English, French, German
- j) Games: football, cricket, hockey, chess, tennis
- k) Solid substances: earth, bread, cotton, nylon, furniture
- l) Verbal nouns (noun created from verb): camping, cooking, packing, jumping, running
How to Use Measure Words with Uncountable Nouns?
However, some uncountable nouns can be countable by adding measurable words. These measure words are related to part, length, breadth, size and weight.
The structure of Measure words is as follows:
Some measure words are used with special nouns. Here are some examples:
- a blade of grass
- a pile of rubbish
- a lump of sugar
- a sheet of paper
- a speck of dust
- a load of hay / coal
Can Nouns Be Both Countable and Uncountable?
Many nouns can be used both countable and uncountable. But in that case the meaning varies. For example, there is a difference of meaning between work and works:
- I have a lot of work to do. (Work)
- Kamal has read most of the works of Shakespeare. (Crop of intellect or imagination)
- The steel works will remain closed for the Eid holidays. (Something that is made in the building)
Below is a list of some more such nouns:
- stone
- hair
- fire
- iron
- instruction
- wood
- land
- brick
- cake
- time
- noise
- duty
Some of these will be used as uncountable when referring to the common name of the substance. For example, the word stone can be considered uncountable when it refers to an object but when it refers to a small part of that object.
Examples:
- Karim threw a stone at the window.
- The building is made of stone.
Key Takeaways
- Countable nouns can be plural and require an article (a/an) in the singular form.
- Uncountable nouns cannot be pluralized or preceded by a/an.
- Uncountable nouns cover various categories including fluids, gases, natural phenomena, and abstractions.
- Measure words can help make uncountable nouns quantifiable.
- Certain nouns can function as both countable and uncountable depending on the context and meaning.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding by answering these questions in the comments below:
- Is "information" countable or uncountable? Write a correct sentence using it.
- How would you make the uncountable noun "paper" countable using a measure word?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can uncountable nouns take a plural form?
No, uncountable nouns cannot be plural and it would be grammatically incorrect to write words like furnitures or informations.
Can the same noun be both countable and uncountable?
Yes, many nouns can be used as both countable and uncountable, but their meaning changes depending on the context.