The document discusses nouns that can be either countable or uncountable in English. It provides examples of nouns used in countable and uncountable forms with different meanings. Some nouns like "cake" or "potato" can be countable, referring to individual objects, or uncountable, referring to the material or substance in general. Other nouns like "paper", "glass", or "iron" have distinct countable and uncountable meanings. The document explains how the countable form is usually specific while the uncountable form is more general.

1. Nouns that can be countable
or uncountable
English Grammar
Compiled by Liia Ründal
Adviser: Peeter Linnamäe

2. Some nouns can be either
countable or uncountable
 COUNTABLE
 Helen baked a cake for her
mother.
 There’s a hair in my soup.
 Someone threw a stone at
me.
 Jane’s peeling the
potatoes.
 She gave me a box of
chocolates.

3. Some nouns can be either
countable or uncountable
 UNCOUNTABLE
 Have some cake.
 I must wash my hair.
 Is this house built of
stone?
 Would you like some
potato?
 I don’t eat chocolate

4. The countable noun is specific, the
uncountable noun is more general
 COUNTABLE  UNCOUNTABLE
 Rugby is a sport.  I don’t like sport.
 That’s an old  Is Betty good at
painting over there. painting?
 He had an  Life isn’t always
interesting life. easy.
 We heard a loud  Your children make
noise outside. so much noise.

5. Some nouns can be countable or
uncountable with different meanings
 COUNTABLE
 He bought a paper.
(= A newspaper)
 UNCOUNTABLE
 I need some paper
to write on.

6. Some nouns can be countable or
uncountable with different meanings
 COUNTABLE
 Would you like a
glass of juice.
 UNCOUNTABLE
 You need to buy a
piece of glass for
the window.

7. Some nouns can be countable or
uncountable with different meanings
 COUNTABLE
 Have you got an
iron? (for clothes)
 UNCOUNTABLE
 This chair is made of
iron.

8. Some nouns can be countable or
uncountable with different meanings
 COUNTABLE  UNCOUNTABLE
 Your room is a  There is no room for
mess. you.
 He switched all the  There’s more light
lights on. by the window.
 How many times  I haven’t got any
Ann phone? time to lose.
 He runs a small  He enjoys doing
business. business.

9. Words for drink …
 UNCOUNTABLE
(usually)
 Coffee is more
expensive than tea.
 COUNTABLE (when we
are ordering or offering
drinks)
 Two coffees, please.

10. Thank you for your attention!