UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Uncountable nouns are for the things that we cannot count with numbers. They may be the names for abstract ideas or qualities or for physical objects that are too small or too amorphous to be counted (liquids, powders, gases, etc.). Uncountable nouns are used with a singular verb. They usually do not have a plural form.
Using Countable & Uncountable Nouns
When using countable or uncountable nouns, pay attention to articles and adjectives! Some articles and adjectives can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. However, others can be used with only countable or only uncountable nouns.
Used with Countable Nouns Only |
|
a |
a doctor, a pen, a meal, a class, a college |
many |
many cups, many books, many libraries, many flights |
few (мало) |
few questions, few tables, few apples, few holidays, few countries |
a few (декілька=достатньо) |
a few questions, a few problems, a few issues, a few issues |
Used with Uncountable Nouns Only |
|
much |
much money, much time, much food, much water, much energy |
little |
little trouble, little equipment, little meat, little patience |
a little/ a little bit of |
a little bit of confidence, a little bit of sleep, a little bit of snow |
Used with Countable & Uncountable Nouns |
||
the |
countable |
the monkeys, the schools, the teachers, the boats, the bananas |
uncountable |
the cheese, the machinery, the luggage, the grass, the knowledge |
|
some (+) |
countable |
some tables, some stores, some grapes, some cities, some nurses |
uncountable |
some time, some news, some bread, some salt, some mail |
|
any (-?) |
countable |
any forks, any socks, any bathrooms, any waiters, any beliefs |
uncountable |
any advice, any soap, any transportation, any gold, any homework |
|
no |
countable |
no magazines, no chocolates, no pilots, no rings, no markers |
uncountable |
no trouble, no grass, no scenery, no money, no furniture |
|
a lot of |
countable |
a lot of animals, a lot of coins, a lot of immigrants, a lot of babies |
uncountable |
a lot of help, a lot of aggravation, a lot of happiness, a lot of fun |
|
lots of, a great deal of |
countable |
lots of computers, lots of buses, lots of parties, lots of colleges |
uncountable |
lots of cake, lots of ice cream, lots of energy, lots of laughter |
|
enough |
countable |
enough plates, enough onions, enough restaurants, enough worries |
uncountable |
enough courage, enough wisdom, enough spaghetti, enough time |
|
plenty of |
countable |
plenty of houses, plenty of concerts, plenty of guitars, plenty of |
uncountable |
plenty of oil, plenty of sugar, plenty of cheese, plenty of space |
List of Uncountable Nouns (These are sample uncountable nouns only! There are many more.)
General
- homework
- equipment (обладнання)
- luggage (багаж) / baggage (Am.)
- clothing
- furniture
- machinery
- gold
- silver
- cotton
- glass
- jewelery
- perfume
- soap
- paper
- wood
- petrol
- gasoline
- hair
- traffic
Abstract
- advice
- help
- fun
- recreation
- enjoyment
- information
- knowledge
- news
- patience
- happiness
- progress
- confidence
- courage
- education
- intelligence
- space
- energy
- laughter
- peace
- pride
Food
- food
- flour
- meat
- rice
- cake
- bread
- ice cream
- cheese
- toast
- pasta
- spaghetti
- butter
- oil
- honey
- soup
- fish
- fruit
- salt
- tea
- coffee
Weather
- thunder
- lightning
- snow
- rain
- sleet
- ice
- heat
- humidity (вологість)
- hail
- wind
- light
- darkness
Languages
- English
- Portuguese
- Hindi
- Arabic
- Japanese
- Korean
- Spanish
- French
- Russian
- Italian
- Hebrew
- Chinese
Subjects/Fields
- mathematics
- economics
- physics
- ethics
- civics
- art
- architecture
- music
- photography
- grammar
- chemistry
- history
- commerce
- engineering
- politics
- sociology
- psychology
- vocabulary
- archaeology
- poetry
Sports
- golf
- tennis
- baseball
- basketball
- soccer
- football
- cricket
- hockey
- rugby
- chess
- poker
- bridge
Activities
- swimming
- walking
- driving
- jogging
- reading
- writing
- listening
- speaking
- cooking
- sleeping
- studying
- working