EVALUATION STRATEGIES, O1 SKILLS 30-40 TOELF | Page 12

SKILL 40: DISTINGUISH COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS Nouns can be either countable or uncountable. Countable nouns (or count nouns) are those that refer to something that can be counted. They have a singular and a plural form. The singular form can use the determiner "a" or "an". If you want to ask about the quantity of a countable noun, you ask "How many?" combined with the plural countable noun. Uncountable nouns are for the things that we cannot count with numbers. They may be the names for abstract ideas or qualities or for physical objects that are too small or too amorphous to be counted (liquids, powders, gases, etc.). Uncountable nouns are used with a singular verb. They usually do not have a plural form. KEY WORDS FOR COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS For countable Many number few nouns fewer For uncountable Much amount little less nouns EXAMPLES OF COUNTABLE NOUNS:  We did an hour of work yesterday.  Megan took a lot of photographs when she went to the Grand Canyon.  There’s a big brown dog running around the neighborhood. EXAMPLES OF UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS:  He did not have much sugar left.  There is no more water in the pond.  Please help yourself to some cheese.