Countable and Uncountable Nouns: What’s the Difference?

As a quick refresher, nouns refer to words that are either a person, place, thing, animal, or idea. You can categorize and classify these nouns as either countable (can be counted) or uncountable (not easily counted). 

While the definitions of these terms may seem clear, sometimes determining whether a noun is countable or uncountable is less straightforward. 

Understanding whether a noun is countable or not ensures the correct use of articles (a or an, many, some, much, or any). 

Let’s take a closer look at countable and uncountable nouns with insight into when it’s best to use them in your writing.

Are you unsure if you are using countable and uncountable nouns correctly? Review your writing with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker to review your content for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

The Meaning of Countable Nouns

Countable nouns, also referred to as count nouns, are things that are treated as separate items. These things can be counted like cars, books, and horses; usually, they can be either singular or plural.

These nouns can be paired with articles (a/an, some, any) or a number.

Examples:

• One oyster
• An orange
• Some candies
• Seven candles
• Any doctors

Articles and count nouns

When using articles with countable nouns, it is common to use “a/an” with singular nouns in both positive and negative sentences. 

If the sentence is positive then you would use the article “some.” However, if it’s negative (such as indicating a lack of items available at a store), then you use the article “any.”

Example Sentences:

• There are some rabbits in the park.
• I had a friend over for dinner.
• Ellen bought an apricot from the farmer’s market.
• There weren’t any laptops for sale.

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns, also referred to as noncount nouns, are things that exist in groups that are so large you can’t count them.

Sometimes these nouns are referred to in measured quantities, such as a gallon of water, a cup of rice, or 12 oz of coffee, but this measurement still refers to the mass, not the individual grain of rice. 

Typically, we refer to the mass or group as one item, so the noun is considered noncount. They don’t have a plural version.

Many uncountable nouns fall into particular categories:

• Ideas and abstract concepts: advice, happiness, information, education, time
• Materials and substances: water, gold, air, ice, fire, cement, oil
• Weather: rain, hail, snow, thunder, sunshine
• Collections or groups: furniture, equipment, luggage, money, clothing 
• Food: rice, milk, sugar, flour, noodles, coffee

Some of these noncount nouns can be used in countable phrases. 

Examples of countable phrases:

• A loaf of bread
• A cup of coffee
• A flash of lightning
• A dollar

These phrases transform the uncountable nouns “bread,” “coffee,” “lightning,” and “money” into countable ones using a phrase or alternative word. 

Articles and noncount nouns

In writing, there are a few best practices for articles and noncount nouns:

• You do not pair a noncount noun with an article such as “a” or “an.” 

• When noncount nouns are generic, they will not use any articles.
• If the noncount noun is specific, it is paired with the definite article “the.”

Positive sentences may use the article “some” with a noncount noun, while negative sentences may use the article “any.”

Example sentences for articles and noncount nouns:

• The advice given by the coach didn’t help the players.
• There wasn’t any information available online.
• The inspector found water leaking through the roof.
• The patient did some research before going to the appointment.

Double Nouns

What are double nouns? Double nouns can be either a count or uncountable noun. These nouns change meaning depending on whether they are used as count or noncount nouns. 

• When using the uncountable meaning, the noun refers to the whole idea or quantity.
• When used as a count noun, the noun refers to a specific example. 

Review the below examples for more information.

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Final Thoughts

Identifying the differences between countable and uncountable nouns can help you to incorporate them properly into your writing and avoid grammar errors.

To review your content for correct grammar and punctuation, use the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.

Then, get insight into more grammar best practices in our top guides:

• Common vs. Proper Nouns: A Comparative Guide
• What Are Verb Tenses? 12 Types of Verb Tenses
• What Are Prepositions? How to Use Them in Writing