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Count and Noncount Nouns

29 April, 2016 - 11:35

A count noun refers to people, places, and things that are separate units. You make count nouns plural by adding -s.

Table 5.4 Count Nouns

Count Noun

Sentence

Quarter

It takes six quarters to do my laundry.

Chair

Make sure to push in your chairs before leaving class.

Candidate

The two candidates debated the issue.

Adult

The three adults in the room acted like children.

Comedian

The two comedians made the audience laugh.

 

A noncount noun identifies a whole object that cannot separate and count individually. Noncount nouns may refer to concrete objects or abstract objects. A concrete noun identifies an object you can see, taste, touch, or count. An abstract noun identifies an object that you cannot see, touch, or count. There are some exceptions, but most abstract nouns cannot be made plural, so they are noncount nouns. Examples of abstract nouns include anger, education, melancholy, softness, violence, and conduct.

Table 5.5 Types of Noncount Nouns

Type of Noncount Noun

Examples

Sentence

Food

sugar, salt, pepper, lettuce, rice

Add more sugar to my coffee, please.

Solids

concrete, chocolate, silver, soap

The ice cream was covered in creamy chocolate.

Abstract Nouns

peace, warmth, hospitality, information

I need more information about the insurance policy.