Countable vs Uncountable (A1 Grammar)
Countable nouns can be counted (1, 2, 3). Uncountable nouns cannot.
Quick tip: Can you say 1, 2, 3...? Yes→countable, No→uncountable
COUNTABLE nouns
Can count with numbers. Have singular and plural forms. Use a/an for one.
- an apple → two apples
- a book → three books
- How many chairs? → Five chairs.
UNCOUNTABLE nouns
Cannot count directly. No plural. No a/an. Use some instead.
- water (not: a water, not: waters)
- some milk (not: a milk)
- rice (not: a rice, not: rices)
Common uncountables: FOOD
These foods are uncountable: bread, rice, meat, cheese, fruit, food.
- I eat bread for breakfast.
- Do you want some cheese?
- Rice is popular in Asia.
Common uncountables: DRINKS
All liquids: water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, soup.
- I drink water every day.
- Would you like some coffee?
- Milk is good for you.
Common uncountables: OTHER
Money, time, music, homework, information, weather, news, advice.
- I need more money.
- Do you have time?
- The weather is nice today.
Counting uncountables
Use containers or units: a glass of, a piece of, a cup of.
- a glass of water / two glasses of water
- a piece of bread / three pieces of bread
- a cup of coffee / two cups of coffee
Common mistakes
- Not "I want a water." — say "I want water / a glass of water.". Water is uncountable.
- Not "How many rice?" — say "How much rice?". Use much for uncountable.
- Not "Two breads, please." — say "Two pieces of bread / Two slices of bread.". Bread is uncountable.
- Not "I have a good news." — say "I have good news / I have some good news.". News is uncountable.
- Not "She gave me an advice." — say "She gave me advice / She gave me some advice.". Advice is uncountable.
- Not "I need informations." — say "I need information / I need some information.". Information has no plural.
Practise it
Common uncountables: water, milk, bread, rice, money, time, music, news, advice, information