Count & Non-Count Nouns
Count nouns have two forms: singular and plural. They can be used with numbers and
quantifying expressions such as many, several, and few.
One potato
two potatoes
several potatoes
few potatoes
When used as subjects in present tense sentences, count nouns require the -s form of the verb in
the singular and the base form of the verb in the plural.
The dog sleeps.
The dogs sleep.
The bear has large claws.
Non-count nouns have only one form. When used as subjects in present tense sentences, noncount nouns require the -s form of the verb.
Juice contains many vitamins.
Honesty is the best policy.
Some nouns can be either count or non-count.
Job experience is essential.
Some experiences can be funny.
Milk contains calcium.
Two milks, please. (informal)
Both count and non-count nouns can be quantified. That is, they can be used with expressions
which divide them into parts or groups which can be counted. For example,
Two apples
Two bags of apples
One cookie
A box of cookies
milk
Two cartons of milk
sugar
A cup of sugar
Sometimes a non-count noun is used to indicate a "group" of items, whereas individual items
within the group are countable. For example,
Non-count
Count
Money
dollars, bills, fives, cents, dimes, coins
Time
years, months, days, hours, minutes
Clothing
dresses, pants, shirts, socks, shoes
Furniture
tables, chairs, sofas, lamps
Luggage
suitcases, briefcases, bags, carry-ons
Non-Count Noun Groups
Whole groups composed of similar items- mail, luggage, jewelry, furniture, etc.
Items composed of small particles- rice, corn, wheat, sand
Liquids & Fluids
Gases
Subjects/Fields of study
Abstract concepts- advice, beauty, intelligence, progress, etc.
Meats/Solids/Materials/Metals
Recreation
Natural phenomena- cold, fog, energy, hail, heat, humidity, etc.
Diseases & medical conditions
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