Count and uncount nouns

Count and uncount nouns

1 It is important to understand the difference between count and uncount nouns.

Count nouns	Uncount nouns
a cup a girl an apple an egg a pound	water sugar milk music money

We can say three cups, two girls, ten pounds. We can count them. We cannot say two waters, three musics, one money. We cannot count them.

2. Count nouns can be singular or plural.

·        This cup is full.

·        These cups are empty.

Uncount nouns can only be singular.

·        The water is cold.

·        The weather is terrible.

Much and many

1.     We use much with uncount nouns in questions and negatives.

·        How much money have you got?

·        There isn’t much milk left.

2 We use many with count nouns in questions and negatives.

·        How many people were at the party?

·        I didn’t take many photos on holiday.

Some and any

1. Some is used in positive sentences.

·        I’d like some sugar.

2 .Any is used in questions and negatives.

·        Is there any sugar in this tea?

·        Have you got any brothers and sisters?

·        We don’t have any washing–up liquid.

·        I didn’t buy any apples.

A few and a little

1 We use a few with count nouns.

·        There are a few cigarettes left, but not many.

2 We use a little with uncount nouns.

·        Can you give me a little help?

A lot/lots of

1 We use a lot/lots of with both count and uncount nouns.

·        There’s a lot of butter.

·        I’ve got lots of friends.

2 A lot/ lots of can be used in questions and negatives.

·        Are there lots of tourists in your country?

·        There isn’t a lot of butter, but there’s enough.