GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Count and Non-Count Nouns

Definition

Nouns are divided into two groups; nouns that can be counted, and nouns that cannot be counted.

Example

I have five oranges in my hand. — count
I have cheese in my hand. — non-count

Explanation

Count nouns:

• can be counted (1 orange, 2 oranges, 3 oranges ...).
• have singular and plural forms (1 orange, 2 oranges, 3 oranges).
• use -s or -es in plural forms.
• use definite articles and indefinite articles.

Non-count nouns:

• cannot be counted (cheese, milk, sand).
• have only one form (cheese, milk, sand) not: 1 cheese, 2 cheeses, 3 cheeses.
• are followed by a singular verb.
• can be counted by using "of" (a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, a box of sand, a bottle of milk).
• use definite articles or no article.

Related Sections

Articles
Parts of Speech
Demonstratives