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English Grammar

“Count and Non-Count Nouns”

Lesson Content

Grammar Focus

In English, nouns can be count or non-count. Count nouns are things you can count, like “apple,” “book,” or “student.” To make them plural, add -s (e.g., “apples,” “books”).
Non-count nouns are things we don’t count one by one, like “water,” “rice,” “music,” and “money.” These nouns usually don’t add -s and use different words to show amount, like “some” or “a lot of.”

➤ “He has three books.” (count)
➤ “She needs some water.” (non-count)

Use many/few with count nouns and much/little with non-count nouns.

✅ 🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Knowing the difference between count and non-count nouns helps you avoid common mistakes like saying “two milks” or “much apples,” which can confuse listeners and make your English sound less natural.

This grammar helps in everyday conversations, such as:

  • Ordering food or drinks:
    ➤ “Can I have two coffees?” (count) / “I need some juice.” (non-count)
  • Asking about quantity:
    ➤ “Do you have many students?” / “Is there much homework?”
  • Talking about personal experiences:
    ➤ “I met a few people.” / “We don’t have much time.”

Let’s Practice

Language Game

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions

Let’s practice talking about things you can count and things you can’t. These questions will help you use words like books, water, rice, and chairs in real life. Try to say your answers clearly and listen for the right nouns when others speak.

Introduce Things You Have:
What can you say about things you have using count or non-count nouns?
➤ For example: “I have two books. I have some water.”

Talk About Food or Drinks:
Choose some food or drink. Can you say what you like using count and non-count nouns?
➤ For example: “I like apples and milk.”

Describe Quantities:
Can you talk about how much or how many things you want or need? Use words like some, many, much, or a few.
➤ For example: “I want a few chairs. I need some sugar.”

Compare Count and Non-Count Nouns:
Can you say a sentence about a count noun and a non-count noun?
➤ For example: “There are three oranges. There is a little juice.”

Talk About Shopping or Ordering:
Imagine you are buying food or drinks. What can you say using count and non-count nouns?
➤ For example: “Can I have two bananas and some water, please?”


Disclosure: Randall developed this content through collaboration with AI, combining technological support with professional instructional design.
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