Countable and Uncountable Nouns

You might not have heard of countable and uncountable nouns before. However, it is useful to know the difference, as they work slightly differently with certain words. In this post, we explain how to use them correctly.

Countable Nouns

Quite simply, countable nouns are things that can be easily separated or counted. For example, we can refer to three apples, five people, or six guitars. These are also referred to as “count nouns.”

When a noun can be counted, we can use words like “number” (e.g., “a large number of eggs”) and “fewer” (e.g., “I have fewer eggs than you”) with it. We can also say “an egg” or “some eggs,” depending on the number described.

Uncountable Nouns

Certain things, such as butter or water, cannot be counted as they are typically an undifferentiated mass. Other examples include “sand,” “milk,” and “coffee.”

Many abstract concepts are uncountable nouns, too, including “music,” “love,” “happiness” and “sadness.” Uncountable nouns are also known as “mass nouns.”

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

As with countable nouns, we have specific words we use with uncountable nouns. For example, “amount” (e.g., “a large amount of sand”) instead of “number” and “less” (e.g., “there is less sand here than I thought”) instead of “fewer.” We can also say “some butter,” refer to a certain weight, such as “100g of butter,” or say “the butter,” but we never say “a butter.”

 

Countable or Uncountable

If in doubt about a particular word, ask whether it easily be counted or separated into distinct units. If it can be, it is probably a countable noun.

Professional Proofreading

To get your paper professionally proofread, upload it today at Proofed!

Upload a document

More Writing Tips?

6th August 2024

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

24th July 2024

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

14th May 2024

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

10th May 2024

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7th May 2024

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

Exit mobile version