Parts of Speech: Nouns: Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Nouns: Counting What We Name

Remember, nouns are words that name things. But not all nouns are the same! Some things we can count, and some things we can’t.

Countable Nouns

These are things we can count using numbers. They have both singular and plural forms.

• Examples:
  • Singular: apple, book, chair, cat, idea
  • Plural: apples, books, chairs, cats, ideas
• We use these words with countable nouns:
  • a/an: a cat, an apple
  • one/two/three…: one book, three chairs
  • many: many cats
  • few: few ideas
  • several: several books

Uncountable Nouns

These are things we can’t count individually. They are often substances, concepts, or qualities.

• Examples: water, rice, sugar, music, happiness, love, information
• We use these words with uncountable nouns:
  • much: much water
  • little: little sugar
  • a lot of: a lot of music
  • some: some happiness
  • a bit of: a bit of information

Tricky Nouns!

Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable, depending on how they’re used.

• Example:
  • I need some chicken for dinner. (uncountable, referring to the meat in general)
  • There are two chickens in the yard. (countable, referring to individual birds)

Let’s Practice!

1. Sort the Nouns:

   • Look at the following list. Write “C” if it’s countable or “U” if it’s uncountable:
     • banana ____
     • milk ____
     • car ____
     • advice ____
     • song ____

2. Complete the Sentence:

   • I have a few ____ to do before bed. (chores)
   • There’s a lot of ____ in the air today. (pollution)
   • Can I have _____ water, please? (some)
   • How ____ money do you need? (much)

Challenge!

Think of a meal you had recently. Describe it using countable and uncountable nouns with the correct quantifiers.