Countable and uncountable nouns
Two kinds of nouns
- Countable nouns can be counted: one book, two books.
- Uncountable nouns can't: water, music, money (no plural).
- This changes which words we use with them.
Countable vs uncountable
- Countable: a / an + singular, or a number + plural → a car, three cars.
- Uncountable: no a / an, no plural → water (not a water, not waters).
- Uncountable nouns take a singular verb: The news is good.
Sort the nouns — countable or uncountable?
Countable nouns can be counted and have a plural; uncountable nouns cannot.
Which phrase is correct?
“water” is uncountable — no plural and no number: “some water”.
some / any
- some = a few / a little, in positive sentences: There are some eggs.
- any = in negatives and questions: There isn't any milk. Any questions?
- Use some for polite offers: Would you like some tea?
Complete the negative: There isn't ___ milk in the fridge.
Negatives use “any”: There isn't any milk.
Translate into English: 我需要一些水。
Uncountable + positive → some water: “I need some water.”
much / many / a lot of
- many + countable plural: many people.
- much + uncountable (mostly negatives / questions): much time.
- a lot of works with both, and is best in positives: a lot of friends.
Choose the correct word: There are ___ people here.
“people” is countable plural → use “many”.
Common mistakes
- ❌ informations / homeworks / advices → ✓ information / homework / advice — never plural.
- ❌ a bread → ✓ a piece of bread — count with a unit word.
- ❌ How much apples? → ✓ How many apples? — countable → many.
Match the unit to its noun.
Uncountable nouns are counted through a unit: a slice / glass / cup / bar of …
Which sentence is correct?
information is uncountable — no plural, no a / an.
- Countable = can count (a car, cars); uncountable = can't (water, music).
- some (positive) / any (negatives, questions).
- many + countable, much + uncountable, a lot of + both.
Write one sentence about what is in your fridge, using “some” or “any” correctly.
Example: “There are some eggs and some milk in my fridge.”