1. Grammar 2 The Second Semester 2015-2016 Countable & Uncountable Nouns Presented by Dr. Mohamed Sha’at

2. The objective of the Session Students are expected to: -Distinguish between the use of countable and uncountable nouns.

3. Nouns CountableUncountable A countable noun has a singular and plural form. It can be counted. A book books A pen pens A piece pieces A person people A child children A man men We can’t use numbers with uncountable nouns. Consider the following examples: Work, love progress, information … Typical uncountable nouns: Materials & substances: plastic, iron, water …. Abstract ideas: life, fun, freedom time ……. Activities: work, travel, sleep.. Human feelings: happiness, anger, honesty …..

4. - Countable nouns can be singular or plural. 1- The book is over there. 2- The books are over there. - Uncountable nouns are always singular. 3- French is difficult. 4- His advice was very useful. - You can use a/an and some with singular countable nouns. A beach a student some elephants an umbrella - You cannot use a/an with uncountable nouns. 5- Sue has got some money to go on holiday this year. 6- Could I have some information?

5. - ‘Some’ is common in positive sentences but ‘any’ is common in questions and negatives. 1- We have got some juice, but we haven’t got any glasses. 2- Have you got any cups? - We can use ‘some’ in a question if it is an offer or request. 3- Could I have some more tea, please? - We can use ‘any’ in positive sentences if we mean ‘it doesn’t matter which’. 4- I’m free any day next week.

6. - We use many and few with plural countable nouns. 1- We didn’t take many photographs. 2- I have a few things to do. 3- How many chairs are there? 4- There aren’t many chairs there. There are a few ones. - We use much and little with uncountable nouns. 5- How much money have you got? 6- There isn’t much water in the jug. 7- We didn’t do much shopping. 8- I have a little work to do.

7. - Some words can be countable or uncountable with a change in meaning. a fish (the animal) some fish (a portion of food) a business (the company) business (in general) More examples can be found p. 130. Look at the following examples and compare their meanings. I heard a strange noise. I can’t stand noise. I bought a painting. Do you like painting? Ali had a good education. Education is important. A knowledge of boats is useful. Knowledge is the key to success.

8. - We cannot use singular countable nouns alone (without a/the/my …etc.) 1- I want a banana. 2- He saw a car. 3- There’s been an accident. - We can use uncountable nouns alone. 4- I eat rice every day. 5- Can you hear music? - We can use plural countable alone. 6- I like bananas. 7- Accidents can be prevented. - The word ‘police’ is followed by a plural verb. 8- The police are coming. Now, Ss. Can do the activities pp. 131-132.

9. Polling How can you grade this meeting? A = excellent, B = very good, C = good or D = fair.

10. Dr. Mohammed Sha’at