COUNTABLE AND
UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Common
errors
1. Uncountable or 'mass'
nouns do not go with numbers, and rarely with plural forms or articles.
Uncountable, or 'mass' nouns,
define abstract qualities, materials, liquids, collections and things
we conceptualise as being without separate identities or boundaries.
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The program aimed at improving
the safety of aircraft operations during a severe winter weather.
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The program aimed at improving
the safety of aircraft operations during severe winter weather. |
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Arbitration allows resolution
of disputes in cases involving the movement by waters of goods required
for resupply services. |
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Arbitration allows resolution
of disputes in cases involving the movement by water
of goods required for resupply services. |
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Estimated useful lives
currently range between three to five years for electronic equipments
and furnitures. |
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Estimated useful lives
currently range between three to five years for electronic
equipment and furniture. |
2. Some determiners only
go with countable nouns (many, few, several, every etc). Others only go
with uncountable nouns (much, little, less etc). Use the correct type.
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The Company may generate
fewer revenue from the sale of these devices than from the sale
of PCs. |
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The Company may generate
less revenue from the sale of these devices than from the
sale of PCs. |
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Throughout
many of Canada¡¦s history, a large share of federal spending on
transport has been in the form of direct subsidies and grants. |
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Throughout much
of Canada¡¦s history, a large share of federal spending on transport
has been in the form of direct subsidies and grants. |
3.Some uncountable nouns
are only plural, with no singular equivalent. Common examples include
arms (weapons), trousers, glasses (spectacles), goods, groceries, clothes,
thanks, police, customs (at national boundaries), remains. They can be
used with the definite article 'the', but not with the indefinite article
'a/an' or numbers.
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The federal government,
airport operators and a local police are working closely together. |
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The federal government,
airport operators and local police are working
closely together. |
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t is well known that some
Western countries are engaged in the sale of arm to Iraq, despite
also imposing sanctions. |
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It is well known that some
Western countries are engaged in the sale of arms
to Iraq, despite also imposing sanctions. |
4.Mixed uses 1: Lots of
nouns have both countable and uncountable forms (often with the former
being composed of the latter). Contrast:
We need more photocopying paper
(uncountable: generic)
'Apple Daily' is a popular paper. (countable: a newspaper)
Have a glass of water before giving a presentation (countable: a drinking
cup)
Much of the Bank of China tower is made of glass. (uncountable: generic)
Don't mix up their meanings!
5. Mixed uses 2: Lots
of abstract nouns have both countable and uncountable forms when their
meaning is more or less particular. Contrast:
Falling in love is an unforgettable
experience. (countable)
She has enough experience to become a manager. (uncountable)
Shame is a negative emotion. (uncountable)
It's a shame that large Corporations can be so greedy. (countable)
Links
Detailed grammar and usage web
site with quizzes
http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/noncount.htm
(Accessed 7 February 2003)
The OWL handout with quiz links
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslcount2.html
(Accessed 7 February 2003)
Fairly basic quiz on countable/uncountable
nouns from Dave Sperling's ESL cafe
http://www.pacificnet.net/~sperling/quiz/count1.html
(Accessed 7 February 2003)
An uncountable noun crossword!
http://www.englishlearner.com/tests/uncount1.html
(Accessed 7 February 2003)
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