Nouns can be either countable or uncountable. This lesson shows you how to use each. The first section explains countable nouns and the second section looks at uncountable nouns. You can find the tests at the bottom of the page.
Countable Nouns
As their name suggests, countable nouns can be counted. Here are some examples:
- 1 dog, 3 chairs, 5 houses, 7 people, 10 pencils
Countable nouns can be single or plural.
- 1 pencil, 2 pencils
- 1 dog, 3 dogs
- 1 chair, 5 chairs
Words for Countable Nouns
Use these words and phrases with countable nouns.
There is/There are
- There is 1 pencil on the table.
- There are 2 pencils on the table.
- There is 1 dog in the park.
- There are 3 dogs in the park.
Many
- There are many cats in the house.
- Are there many dogs in the park?
- I need many books for my English class.
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are things we can’t count. Here are some examples:
- Tea, sugar, water, air, rice, etc.
Uncountable nouns do not have a plural form.
Incorrect: I have 3 rices.
Remember: If you can’t count it…..it’s an uncountable noun!!
Words for Uncountable Nouns
Use these words with uncountable nouns.
There is
- There is salt on my pasta.
- There is water on the table.
Much
- There is much sugar in this coffee.
- There is not much pollution in Toronto.
- Is there much juice in the glass?
How Much and How Many
Use how much and how many to ask questions about countable and uncountable nouns.
- How many pens do you have?
- How many books are on the table?
- How much sugar would you like?
- How much salt do you have?
As you can see, how much is for uncountable nouns and how many is for countable nouns.
So remember:
“There are” and “many” are for countable nouns.
“There is” and “much” are for uncountable nouns.
Are you ready to practice countable and uncountable nouns? Try these tests:
How Much/How Many Test
How Much/How Many Test 2
There Is/There Are Test
There Is/There Are Test 2
Is There/Are There Test