2nd lesson: The Use of Countable & Uncountable Noun~

Hello there!! hopefully the previous entry helps you in some ways~ =)...and I would like to apologize for the typo error in the analogy of cake batter and pieces of cake! Don't worry I have corrected it~ =) 

Alright! Now let us move on to the uses of countable and uncountable nouns. Where, how and when to use it~ 

 

USES OF COUNTABLE & UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS.

Pluralizing

THE RULE~

From the definitions of mass and count given above you may have already guessed the rule for pluralizing them:

• most countable nouns pluralize with -s - e.g. chairs, bags, books
• Uncountable nouns don't pluralize at all - e.g. food, equipment, furniture,

This rule works for all of the nouns in the lists of examples in the first section. You can check this rule for yourself before reading further. =)

An Exception to the Rule

For a number of nouns, the rule needs slight revision. Certain nouns in English belong to both classes: they have both a uncountable and a countable meaning. Normally the uncountable meaning is abstract and general and the count meaning concrete and specific. Okay, let us see the comparison:

Countable

• I've had some difficulties finding a job. (refers to a number of specific problems)
• The talks will take place in the Krannert building. (refers to a number of specific lectures)
• The city was filled with bright lights and harsh sounds. (refers to a number of specific lights and noises)

Noncountable

• She succeeded in school with little difficulty. (refers to the general idea of school being difficult)
• I dislike idle talk. (refers to talking in general)
• Light travels faster than sound. (refers to the way light and sound behave in general)  

To summarize, we may put the rule in a chart, like this:

	Pluralizes with -s	Doesn't Pluralize
Countable Noun	XX
Countable Use	XX
Uncountable Noun		XX
Uncountable Use		XX

How is it so far??..if you have any difficulties (a countable noun..hehe), please do ask okay?... Till then..ciao!

ou! I almost forgot..below are some links that you can visit,if you want to do exercises! Good Luck!

• Grammar Exercise - Countable and Uncountable Nouns
• Quiz: Count or Non-Count?
• Countable or Non-Countable Nouns

P/S In the case of uncountable & countable meaning in certain nouns, the key to differentiate them is through READING & READING & READING~ and eventually you will get use to them and knows to which type of noun they belong to~ =)