Countable and Uncountable Nouns: What's the Difference?

Introduction

Nouns are words that name people, places, things, and ideas. Some nouns, like "cat" and "table," can be counted. Others, like "water" and "love," cannot be counted.

Countable Nouns

Countable nouns refer to things that can be counted individually. For example, you can count one cat, two tables, and three chairs. Countable nouns can be either singular or plural.

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be counted individually. For example, you cannot count water, love, or happiness. Uncountable nouns are always singular.

Grammar Rules for Countable and Uncountable Nouns

There are a few grammar rules that you need to know when using countable and uncountable nouns.

• Countable nouns can be used with the articles "a" and "an." For example, you can say "a cat" or "an apple."
• Uncountable nouns cannot be used with the articles "a" and "an." For example, you cannot say "a water" or "an love."
• Countable nouns can be used with the plural form of the verb. For example, you can say "The cats are sleeping" or "The apples are red."
• Uncountable nouns cannot be used with the plural form of the verb. For example, you cannot say "The water is sleeping" or "The love is red."