Uncountable Noun with Rules & Examples
Uncountable nouns are those nouns which cannot be counted in any from but it can be sensed. All materials are come in this group for which it is also known as mass noun.
Uncountable nouns are used only one form which is singular. It always takes singular verbs also.
Uncountable nouns can begin a sentence without determiners.
These nouns can also be modified with the, much, little etc. but not with any numerals.
All proper nouns, material nouns and abstract nouns fall in this group of uncountable noun.
Examples.
Water, health, freedom, slavery, air, milk, wind, absence, almighty, courage, energy, fun, joy, music, amusement, learning, growth, knowledge, skill, time, work, fear, fire, happiness, duty, design, rain, snow, silence, labour etc.
Rules of Uncountable Noun
Though uncountable nouns re only used in singular forms still it follow some definite rules of using. Students must consider the rules before using uncountable nouns properly to the right places. We have discussed all the rules with correct examples below:
i) In most cases uncountable nouns have only one form which is singular like advice, word, furniture, weather, butter etc.
Ex.
I need my mother’s advice in my career choices.
The shop is full of different kinds of furniture.
ii) Like countable nouns uncountable nouns do not follow articles a andan immediately with it.
Ex.
I like to have some sugar in selective dishes.
I usually take a spoon sugar in tea.
iii) Uncountable nouns can be modified into count nouns by adding phrases and quantity words.
Ex.
I have filled the jug with water.
Please fill the bowl with one cup of water.
iv) Some common quantity words like a little, enough, much, some, any, plenty of, a lot of, lots of are used with uncountable nouns.
Ex.
He used to bring much luggage with him for any trip.
We should eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetable to keep us healthy.
v) Some uncountable nouns can be modified with other words which means a form and container like handful, piece, bowl, cube, packet, barrel, bottle, game etc.
Ex.
Piece of equipment was brought to the new gym.
A handful of rice is enough for taking in lunch.
vi) Some containers or forming words take adjective along with it for using before uncountable nouns.
Ex.
I have bought large jar of coffee from the market.
Please bring me a warm cup of tea.
vii) Some nouns can be countable and uncountable in the same form depending on the meaning and context of the sentence which make the usage different.
Ex.
We should not use bad language for addressing others. (singular)
He can speak three languages fluently. (plural)
FAQs:
1.) How should students learn uncountable nouns perfectly?
Answer. Students should follow the right resources including all rules of usage long with appropriate examples for learning uncountable nouns effectively.
2.) How can students remember uncountable noun effectively for long term?
answer. Students must follow all rules before reading the example. They also should practice regularly with definite rules and applying them in real life examples.