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