A2 Grammar: Countable & Uncountable Nouns

A2 Grammar: Countable & Uncountable Nouns
ESL Structure Curriculum

ESL Grammar Course

A2: Elementary

A pile of apples (countable) next to a glass of water (uncountable)

Countable & Uncountable Nouns

In English, we divide nouns into two groups: countable and uncountable. This distinction is important because it changes the quantifiers (words like `some`, `any`, `much`, `many`) we use with them.

Scope & Content:

  • Countable Nouns: Things you can count (one book, two books).
  • Uncountable Nouns: Things you can’t count (water, music, information).
  • Quantifiers: `some`, `any`, `much`, `many`, `a lot of`.

⚠️ Attention: Common Challenges

1. `Much` vs. `Many`: This is a key difference. Use `many` with countable nouns and `much` with uncountable nouns, usually in questions and negative sentences.

  • “How many brothers do you have?” (Countable)
  • “I don’t have much time.” (Uncountable)

2. `Some` and `Any`: `Some` is generally used in positive sentences. `Any` is generally used in negative sentences and questions.

  • “I have some friends in London.”
  • “I don’t have any money.”
  • “Do you have any questions?”

3. `A lot of`: This is a useful phrase because you can use it with BOTH countable and uncountable nouns in positive sentences.

  • “She has a lot of books.” (Countable)
  • “There is a lot of traffic today.” (Uncountable)

Practice Quiz

1. How ____ students are in your class?

2. I don’t have ____ milk in the fridge.

3. Would you like ____ coffee?

4. There isn’t ____ sugar left.

5. She has ____ of interesting books.

6. Do you have ____ brothers or sisters?

7. I need to get ____ information before I decide.

8. There are too ____ people in this room. It’s crowded.

9. How ____ money do you have?

10. I bought ____ new shoes yesterday.