Grammar › Nouns & Determiners › Countable & Uncountable Nouns
Countable & Uncountable Nouns
Nouns are countable or uncountable, and that changes the words around them:
- Countable — a/an, a number, a plural (an apple, three apples).
- Uncountable — no plural, no a/an; use some or a unit (some milk, a carton of milk).
Common uncountables that trip learners up: information, advice, furniture, news, money, bread, luggage.
Countable vs uncountable
| Countable | Uncountable | |
|---|---|---|
| Plural? | yes — a book, two books | no — water, not “waters” |
| a/an or number? | yes — a car, three cars | no — not “an advice” |
| Quantity words | many, a few, a number | much, a little, an amount |
| To count them | just use a number | use a unit — a piece of, a glass of |
When and how to use them
1. Countable — count them directly
- I have two brothers and a sister.
2. Uncountable — no plural, no a/an
- Can I have some water? I need information, not
an information.
3. Count uncountables with a unit
- a piece of advice, a slice of bread, two cups of coffee
⚠️ Watch these uncountables: information, advice, furniture, news, money, bread, luggage, work — no plural, no a/an.
Common mistakes
1. Making an uncountable plural. She gave me some advices → She gave me some advice.
2. Using a/an with an uncountable. I need an information → I need some information.
3. ‘How many’ with an uncountable. How many money? → How much money? Pro tip: if you can put a number directly in front, it’s countable; if not, use a unit or ‘some’.
✏️ Practice: Countable & Uncountable Nouns
1. Which noun is UNCOUNTABLE?
2. Can I have ___ water, please?
3. She gave me some good ___ .
4. We bought some new ___ for the flat.
5. I'd like ___ coffee. (two cups)
6. How ___ money do you have?
7. Choose the unit to count 'bread'.
8. There ___ some good news today.
9. Correct this: 'I need to buy two furnitures.'
10. How can you tell a noun is countable?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between countable and uncountable nouns?
Countable nouns can be counted and have a plural (one chair, two chairs). Uncountable nouns are a mass with no plural (water, information) and don't take a/an or numbers.
Why can't I say 'an information' or 'two advices'?
Information and advice are uncountable. Use 'some information' or 'a piece of information', and 'some advice' or 'a piece of advice'.
How do I count uncountable nouns?
Use a unit: a glass of water, a slice of bread, a piece of furniture, a bit of luck, two bottles of milk.
Can a noun be both?
Yes, with a meaning change: 'coffee' (the drink, uncountable) vs 'two coffees' (two cups); 'hair' (all of it) vs 'a hair' (one strand).
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “Countable & Uncountable Nouns”:
- Can distinguish countable and uncountable nouns (CEFR A2).
- Can use a/an and numbers only with countable nouns, and units with uncountables.
- Can recognise common uncountable nouns and dual-use nouns.
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