Countable vs Uncountable Nouns

Countables and Uncountables

Today, let’s talk about nouns. Some nouns you can count, like apples. We call these “countable nouns”. You can have one, two, or more apples.

Now, there’s another type called “uncountable nouns”. These are things you can’t count individually, like water or sugar. You can’t say one water or two sugars (OK, it’s actually a bit of a grey area).

So, we use words like “some” or “a lot of” with uncountable nouns. Find out more on this later.

Countable Nouns vs Uncountable Nouns

The table below breaks down the differences between countable and uncountable nouns.

Again, you can find all the main differences between these two types of nouns below.

Countable Nouns	Uncountable Nouns
Countable nouns may be preceded by “a/an” or one in the singular form.	Uncountable nouns are not immediately preceded by “a/an” or one.
They have a final “-s” or “-es” in the plural form.	They have no plural form, so do not add a final “-s” or “-es”.

The table above will help give you an idea of how to use these nouns correctly in sentences.

Countable and Uncountable Examples

Now that you have a basic idea of what these nouns represent, let’s explore examples for these two types of nouns.

We’ve added the lists below of examples for countable and uncountable nouns.

Uncountable nouns are things you can’t count, like music or rice. But in English, we still sometimes might count them in slang form. For instance, the word “coffee” is uncountable, but if you’re at the coffee shop you might say, “two coffees, please.” The same goes for water, milk, and tea.

Using “Some” vs “Any”

Let’s look at “some” and “any”. Both words are useful but in different situations. We use “some” in positive sentences and “any” in questions or negatives.

Here’s a table that describes the differences between the two:

Let’s take a closer look at this table that compares “some” and “any” for countables and uncountables.:

Countables	Uncountables
”Some” is for positive sentences.	”Some” is for positive sentences.
”Some” may also be for questions, typically offers and requests.	”Any” is for negative sentences and questions.
”Any” is for negative sentences and questions.

For countable nouns, think of “some apples” or “any apples?” It’s about numbers you can count. For uncountable nouns, like water or information, you might say “some water” or “Is there any information?”

Examples of “Some” vs “Any”

Let’s go through examples using “some” and “any” for countables and uncountables.

This table gives examples for both countable nouns and uncountables:

Countables	Uncountables
“She bought some magazines from the library.”	“There is some chicken left for you.”
“May I have some more chocolate?”	“There isn’t any toilet paper left.”
“There aren’t any posters on the wall.”	“Have you got any cash on you?”
“Has Lucy got any brothers?”

Here’s a simple rule: Use “some” when you expect the answer to be yes, or you’re offering something. “Would you like some tea?” Use “any” when you’re not sure of the answer. “Do you have any questions?”

Remember, English is flexible. There are exceptions, but this rule is a good starting point. Plus, languages evolve. What’s a rule today might have exceptions tomorrow.

Countable Nouns – “Some” vs “Any”

Let’s go through the structure and more examples. But this time, let’s focus on countable nouns.

Let’s try to define the structure of countables:

Here are some examples of countable nouns.

So, use “some” for positive sentences when you talk about having things. Like, “I have some cookies.” Use “any” if you’re saying there’s nothing. For example, “I don’t have any pens.” means you don’t have anything.

Uncountable Nouns – “Some” vs “Any”

Now, let’s do it all again with uncountable nouns. Here is the structure and examples using “some” and “any” with uncountable nouns.

Here is the structure for uncountables:

Now for some examples:

Countable vs Uncountable Nouns

Countable nouns are things you can count, like apples. Uncountable nouns are things you can’t count, like water. Remember to use “some” for positives and “any” for questions or negatives.

Now, we’d like to flip it over to you. Do you have any questions about this topic? We’d love to hear any questions you have in the comment form below.