Items we count using numbers are countable nouns. These nouns are singular or plural. In the singular, countable nouns use a determiner like a or an. For example:

• I have a dog that smiles.

In the singular form, you can also use the number one.

• I have one dog that smiles.

The plural form uses a variety of different numbers along with the suffix -s or -es.

• She has three dogs.

If asking about a countable noun you would ask, how much?

Countable noun examples

• cow/cows
• duck/ducks
• idea/ideas
• shop/shops

In contrast, uncountable nouns usually operate with a singular verb. These nouns can be abstract or physically too small to count. Liquids or powders can be uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns rarely have plural forms.

To ask about the quantity of an uncountable noun you would ask, how much? Uncountable nouns use expressions like some or a little bit. Additionally, these nouns use exact measurements: a cup of, a bag of, and a pinch of.

Uncountable noun examples

• tea
• water
• fear
• coffee
• anger
• happiness
• research

Below find examples of how to use an uncountable noun in a sentence.

• I did a little bit of research on the topic.
• I borrowed a bag of flour from my neighbor.

Note: Different languages have different nouns that are countable. In English, these words are uncountable: baggage, bread. furniture, traffic, and travel.