Articles with countable and uncountable nouns – Definition, Rules and Examples
Articles are mainly used with countable and uncountable nouns in different manners. Definite articles are always used with countable nouns whereas indefinite article is used with uncountable nouns mainly. To use all articles correctly we need to understand the two categories which are countable noun and uncountable noun.
1.) Countable nouns are referred to certain objects including all persons, places, non-living things that can be counted in general form.
Ex.
Apple, pencil, basket, picture, doll, hen, pillow, instrument etc.
I ate an apple.
I kept all the toys in a basket.
2.) Uncountable noun means any materialistic things, quality, concept, ideas, information which are not countable by us.
Ex.
Speech, gold, music, honesty, wisdom, wood, water etc.
We listened great music in the concert.
We can achieve wisdom through constant learning.
In the present article, we are going to discuss about all rules of using articles in both countable and uncountable noun forms. Students are advised to follow all the rules appropriately to be efficient in using all articles for all countable and uncountable nouns.
i) Articles for uncountable nouns:
We have already studied that indefinite articles a/an cannot be used with uncountable nouns. In place of article definite article ‘the’ is used to present the meaning accurately.
a) For uncountable nouns like water, weather, music a or an will not be used before these nouns.
Ex.
We like a rainy weather. (incorrect)
We like the rainy season. (correct)
b) A number cannot be placed before any uncountable noun, but number can be used with any other words qualifying nouns.
Ex.
We heard a great news.
We brought two bottles of water.
c) To show anything in general through information uncountable nouns will be used with no article at all.
Ex.
He put some jiggery power in his tea in place of sugar.
d) Definite article ‘the’ can be placed with uncountable nouns when we have to refer any particular things.
Ex.
We learnt swimming in the water of nearby pond.
We liked the music played at the concert.
ii) Articles for countable nouns:
a) We can place any number before a countable noun to mention certain things.
Ex.
We bought two pens together from shop.
The teacher called five students to give extra class.
b) We can use both definite and indefinite articles with countable nouns for certain conditions.
Ex.
We have already seen the lions in the zoo.
I bought a best-selling book of the famous writer.
c) Plural countable nouns can be used with no article at all if we have to present all or any of that certain thing.
Ex.
I like magazines about fashion.
She prefers to go out with friends.
d) When we have to write a countable noun first time in a text then it will be placed with a/an before it.
Ex.
Yamuna has a pet dog and a cat. The dog is very fond of her.
e) We can use ‘the’ with countable nouns when the reader already knows about the subject before or rea it before.
Ex.
I liked the movie you suggested me that day.
Please return the book I gave you before.
FAQs:
1.) Is there different rules of using countable and uncountable nouns?
Answer. Yes, there are certain rules for using articles with countable and uncountable nouns which students have to learn separately for using them.
2.) What are the articles used with countable and uncountable nouns in general?
Answer. Indefinite articles a/an is used with countable nouns whereas definite article ‘the’ is used with uncountable nouns.
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