GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Count & Non-Count Nouns

Definition

Nouns are divided into two groups:

1. Nouns that can be counted (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)
2. Nouns that cannot be counted

Example

Explanation

Count nouns --

• use -s or -es in plural forms.
• use definite articles and indefinite articles (a tree, the students).

Non-count nouns --

• cannot be counted (cheese, milk, sand). You don't say "I have 2 milks."
• are followed by a singular verb. For example, "The cheese is good."
• can be counted by using "of phrases." For example, "a cup of coffee, a piece of cheese, a box of sand, a bottle of milk."
• use definite articles or no article. For example, "The cheese is good. Cheese is good."

Related Sections

Determiners: Articles
Determiners: Demonstratives
Parts of Speech