Countable and Non Countable Noun

In English some nouns are countable and some nouns uncountable.

Nouns which can be counted are called Countable Nouns.

Example: Students, tables, chairs, girls, boys, etc.

Noun which cannot be counted are called Uncountable Nouns.

Example: ink, water, sunshine, smoke, hair, money, etc.

Only countable nouns can take 'a' or 'an' in singular form and can be made plural.

Example: a chair ---- chairs

an orange --- oranges

Uncountable Nouns--- cannot take 'a' or 'an'.

--- cannot be made plural.

--- always take a singular verb.

In affirmative sentences 'a lot of' is used with both uncountable nouns and countable plural nouns.

Example : A lot of water (a large amount or quantity) (uncountable)

A lot of bottles (a large number) (plural countable)

There is a lot of sugar in the kitchen (uncountable noun).

There are a lot of cars in Kolkata. (Plural countable noun)

Instead of 'a lot of' we use 'much' and 'many' in interrogative and negative sentences.

In interrogative and negative sentences 'much' is used with uncountable nouns and 'many' is used with plural countable nouns.

Eg: Plural countable noun

There are a lot of books in the library. (Affirmative)

Are there many books in the library? (Interrogative)

There aren't many books in the library. (Negative)

Eg: Uncountable noun

There is a lot of water in the bucket. (Affirmative)

Is there much water in the bucket? (Interrogative)

There isn't much water in the bucket. (Negative)

'Some' is used with both uncountable nouns (a certain quantity) and plural countable nouns (a certain number) in affirmative sentence.

Eg: There is some tea in the tea pot. (uncountable noun)

There are some chalks in the box. (countable)

'Some' is usually replaced by 'any' in negative and interrogative sentences.

Eg: There are some chocolates in the box. (affirmative)

Are there any chocolates in the box? (interrogative)

There aren't any chocolates in the box. (negative)

'A few' and 'few' are used with plural countable nouns. 'A few' means 'some' and 'few' means 'hardly any'.

Eg: I have a few friends, so I don't feel lonely.

I have few friends, so I feel lonely.

*'A little' and 'little' are used with uncountable nouns.

*'A little' means a small amount, 'little' means hardly anything.

Eg: I have a little money, so we can go to the cinema.

I have very little money; I can't afford to go to the cinema.