Uncountable Noun

What are Uncountable Nouns?

Uncountable nouns refer to the nouns which cannot be counted or quantified. These nouns don't have a plural form and are related to concepts or things that are seen as a whole. 

Uncountable Noun Examples

When to Use Uncountable Nouns?

1. They are used with abstract concepts that cannot be counted. For example, knowledge, flour, milk, etc. 
2. They are used to describe characteristics, ideas or qualities of a person or an object. For example, 'Shreya is very intelligent'. 
3. They are also used for substances and materials which cannot be physically counted. For example, sugar, water, air, salt, stars, sky, clouds, etc.
4. They are used to describe the weather. For example, 'The weather is cloudy'.
5. They are used to describe emotions or activities. For example, angry, happy, sad, etc. 
6. They are used to refer to objects that are seen as a mass. For example, luggage, furniture, equipment, etc. 

To Read About Singular Noun: Click here

How to Identify Uncountable Nouns in a Sentence?

1. Uncountable nouns are always in singular form and articles are not used before them. 
2. There are no number indicators before any uncountable noun. We do not say 'three water' instead they say 'three glasses of water'. 
3. Understand the context of the sentence as it will help to identify uncountable nouns. If a sentence gives the idea of a concept or a material then it can contain uncountable nouns.

Common Mistakes With Uncountable Nouns

1. Students often add indefinite articles like 'a' or 'an' before uncountable nouns. For example, some may write 'I want to drink a coffee' instead of 'I want to drink coffee'.
2. Students tend to quantify uncountable noun. For example, they may write 'I have three knowledge on this topic' instead of writing 'I have some knowledge on this topic'. 
3. Students often forget to use words like 'some', 'any' for a quantity of uncountable noun. For example, 'Can I have a juice?' is incorrect whereas, 'Can I have some juice?' is the correct sentence. 
4. Many students may write uncountable nouns in plural forms. For example, they may write 'flours' in place of 'flour'. 

Examples of Uncountable Nouns Used in Sentences

→ She is very intelligent. 
→ He has lots of money. 
→ You worked so hard for this project.
→ Teachers of our school are knowledgeable. 
→ Nurses are caring in nature. 
→ The baby was happy after receiving a new toy. 
→ Can you please add some sugar in my tea? 
→ The team celebrated their victory with joy.

FAQs

1. What are uncountable nouns? 

Answer: Uncountable nouns are nouns which cannot be counted as a separate unit or individually. Examples of countable nouns are air, sand, water, knowledge, milk, honey, rice, flour, etc. 

2. Give some examples of uncountable nouns.

Answer: Examples of uncountable nouns are butter, electricity, power, flour, news, happiness, tea, butter, cheese, milk, Information, etc.

3. What is an example of an uncountable noun in a sentence? 

Answer: Usage of an uncountable noun in a sentence: Don’t cry over the spilt milk. In this sentence, milk is an uncountable noun as we cannot count milk individually.