Countable & Uncountable Nouns
Countable nouns can be counted and have a plural form (one book, two books). Uncountable nouns cannot be counted individually and have no plural form (water, advice, information). Use 'much' with uncountable nouns and 'many' with countable nouns.
WHEN TO USE
Use countable nouns with a/an, numbers, and many/few. Use uncountable nouns with much/little/some/any, but never with a/an or numbers directly. To count uncountable nouns, use a 'container' phrase (a glass of water, a piece of advice).
STRUCTURE
Countable: a/an + noun, numbers, many/fewI have three books and a pen.
Uncountable: some/any/much/little + noun (no plural)Can I have some water? There isn't much time.
a piece/glass/cup of + uncountable nounCan I have a glass of water and a piece of advice?
SIGNAL WORDS
- many
- few
- a few
- much
- little
- a little
- some
- any
EXAMPLES
There are many books on the shelf.
We don't have much time left.
Can I give you some advice?
She has a few friends in this city.
There is very little water in the bottle.
COMMON MISTAKES
Can you give me an advice?
Can you give me some advice?
'Advice' is uncountable — you can't use 'a/an' with it
I have many homeworks to do.
I have a lot of homework to do.
'Homework' is uncountable and does not take a plural form
Tip
Common uncountable nouns that learners often mistake for countable: information, news, furniture, luggage, advice, knowledge, research, traffic, money, and homework.