One item, two items, three items
Countable nouns have a singular and a plural form: one student → two students, an idea → several ideas. A singular countable noun normally needs a determiner such as a, an, the, this or my.
← Grammar CentreNoun foundations · Countability
Countable and Uncountable Nouns
Countability changes the article, quantity word and verb form that a noun can use. Learn the system slowly before choosing an article.
The first noun decision
Can we count individual examples?
A mass, category, activity or idea
Uncountable nouns do not normally have a plural form and do not use a/an: information, advice, homework, research, equipment, progress. Say some information, not an information.
Use a unit or container expression
To count an uncountable noun, add a countable unit: a piece of advice, two items of equipment, three cups of coffee, a piece of information.
many, a few, fewer, several, a number of
much, a little, less, a great deal of
some, any, a lot of, plenty of, enough
Meaning can change countability: coffee is uncountable when it means the drink, but two coffees means two cups or servings. Experience can mean general knowledge (uncountable) or individual events (countable).
Common student problems
Do not translate countability directly from another language
Use some advice or a piece of advice.
Use much research or many research studies.
Use less information or fewer pieces of information.
Practise one decision at a time
Four levels and a Final Quiz
Each level contains 10 questions. The Final Quiz mixes all four skills.
1
10 questionsCountable or uncountable?
Recognise whether the noun can normally be counted as individual items.
2
10 questionsChoose the quantity word
Use quantity words that agree with countable or uncountable nouns.
3
10 questionsCount with units
Use a piece, item, cup or other unit when an uncountable noun must be counted.
4
10 questionsMeaning changes countability
Decide whether context describes a general substance or individual examples.
5
20 mixed questionsFinal Quiz
Apply all four skills without being told which rule is being tested.