Simple explanation
What are countable nouns? Countable nouns are nouns that we can count one by one. They have a singular form and a plural form. We can use numbers with them: one book, two books. When we talk about one thing, we often use a or an. What are uncountable nouns? Uncountable nouns are nouns that we usually cannot count separately. They often describe liquids, materials, food, or abstract ideas. Examples include water, money, and information. They usually do not have a plural form. How can we identify them? Ask yourself: Can I say one, two, three before this noun? If yes, it is probably countable. If I need a measurement or container, it is usually uncountable: a bottle of water, a piece of information. Using articles and quantity words Countable singular nouns can use a or an: a book, an apple. Uncountable nouns usually use words like some, much, or a lot of: some milk, much time, a lot of money.
Grammar formula
Singular countable noun
a/an + singular countable nounI have a dog.
Plural countable noun
number + plural countable nounI have two dogs.
Uncountable noun
some/much + uncountable nounI need some water.
Core rules
- 1
Rule for countable nouns
Countable nouns can be singular or plural. After numbers, they normally use the plural form: three books, two cars.
- 2
Rule for uncountable nouns
Uncountable nouns usually do not take plural endings and cannot normally use a or an: some water, some advice.
- 3
Rule for counting uncountable nouns
To count an uncountable noun, use a unit or container: a cup of tea, a piece of information.
Useful examples
I have a new computer.
I own a new computer.
Computer is countable, so we use a with the singular form.
She has two sisters.
She has two female siblings.
Sister is countable and changes to the plural form.
We need some water.
We need a quantity of water.
Water is uncountable and is not used with numbers directly.
There is some milk in the fridge.
A quantity of milk is in the fridge.
Milk is a liquid and is usually uncountable.
I bought three apples.
I purchased three apples.
Apple is countable, so it can take a number and plural form.
Can I have some coffee?
Can I have some coffee?
Coffee is used as a general drink and is uncountable here.
He gave me some advice.
He gave me a helpful suggestion.
Advice is uncountable and does not become advices.
I need a piece of information.
I need one item of information.
Information needs a unit word when we count it.
There are many books on the desk.
Many books are on the desk.
Books is a plural countable noun, so we use many.
How much money do you have?
What amount of money do you have?
Money is uncountable, so we use much.
Common mistakes
- ❌ I have many money. ✅ I have much money. Money is uncountable, so we do not use many with it.
- ❌ She gave me an advice. ✅ She gave me some advice. Advice is uncountable and cannot use a/an.
- ❌ I need two waters. ✅ I need two bottles of water. Water is not counted directly; we count containers or units.
- ❌ There are much books here. ✅ There are many books here. Books are countable, so we use many.
- ❌ I have three informations. ✅ I have three pieces of information. Information is uncountable and has no plural form.
Learning tips
- If you can put one, two, or three before a noun, it is probably countable.
- Many liquids, materials, and abstract ideas are often uncountable.
- Uncountable nouns usually do not have plural forms.
- Use unit words like piece, bottle, cup, or glass to count uncountable nouns.
Practise this topic
Interactive exercises for this topic are coming soon.
PlannedRelated grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I say informations in English?
Information is an uncountable noun, so it does not normally have a plural form. We say some information or a piece of information.
Are all foods uncountable nouns?
No. Some foods are countable, such as an apple or two eggs. Others, like rice and milk, are usually uncountable.
Can a noun be both countable and uncountable?
Yes. Some nouns change depending on meaning and context. For example, coffee can mean a drink in general or a cup of coffee in some situations.
Which words can I use with uncountable nouns?
Common words include some, much, a lot of, and measurement words like bottle, cup, and piece.