English grammar: Countable and uncountable nouns

What this grammar point covers

Countable and uncountable nouns are two types of nouns in English. Countable nouns are things you can count (one apple, two apples). Uncountable nouns are things you cannot count (water, rice).

When to use it

Use this grammar to talk about quantities, ask for things, or say how much or how many there are.

Key forms

• a/an + singular countable noun (a book, an apple)
• some/any + plural countable or uncountable noun (some books, some water)
• many/few + plural countable noun (many apples, few chairs)
• much/little + uncountable noun (much money, little time)

Examples

Tips

• Do not use 'a' or 'an' with uncountable nouns.
• Use 'much' with uncountable nouns and 'many' with countable nouns.
• Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable, but the meaning changes.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some nouns, like 'hair' or 'chicken', can be countable or uncountable depending on the meaning.