4.1.1: Nouns- Both Count and Noncount
- Page ID
- 269723
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Some nouns can be both count and noncount depending on the context of the sentence. Read the charts to learn more.
Examples of Both Count and Noncount Nouns
| COUNT-A PARTICULAR ONE |
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In the nouns below, the determiner a or an expression of quantity before the count noun expresses a particular, specific event, "true of one situation". In some cases, an adjective may be included. |
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EXAMPLES |
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What a life she has! (Det + N) What an easy life she has! (Det + Adj + N) |
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I had an experience today. (introduction to a story) I had a good experience today. |
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I have been to that restaurant three times. We had many fun times on family vacations. |
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Please, show the papers to the customs agent. |
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Chickens cannot be raised in the city limits. I prepared a roast chicken for Sunday dinner. |
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I ordered a coffee for myself and a tea for my husband. We would like two lattes and a cappuccino. |
| NONCOUNT- A GENERAL MEANING |
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The noncount use of the equivalent (same) word expresses a more general meaning, "true for all situations or events". |
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EXAMPLES |
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Life is complicated. |
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I have a lot of experience in hotel management. |
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Time passes slowly. |
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I wrote my homework on paper. |
| I ordered chicken in my favorite restaurant. |
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Coffee and tea are popular breakfast drinks. We grind our own coffee. |
Exercise 1.3-Count and Noncount Meanings
Complete the sentences. Use the correct forms of the nouns from the list. Then write C for count and NC for noncount.
experience life time paper coffee
- We had a wonderful experience when we went to the Amalfi Coast __C__
- The job requires _____________ in computer programming. ______
- I tried to call Mark several ____________, but he didn't answer. ______
- We have to hurry. We don't have much ____________. ______
- The ___________ of a student can be stressful. ______
- Five __________ were lost in the storm. ______
- Can you get me a large ___________ when you go to the coffee shop? ______
- Laura drinks ________________ every morning. ______
- Can you bring me some ________________ to write a shopping list? ______
- The customs agent asked me for my _________. ______
Nouns with Both Count and Noncount Uses: Grammar Quizzes by Julie Sevastopoulos is licensed for use under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Exercise 1.3 by Allyson Marceau