|
Countable and uncountable
nouns |
Structure 1 |
CN = Countable Noun / Count Noun |
few
noun
many (CN) |
Few reference books may be checked out
There are many TV programs for
children |
Remember that the following nouns are examples of
countable nouns (or count nouns): |
books
classes
dollars |
friends
programs
seats |
|
Avoid using an uncountable noun instead of a countable noun after
few and many. |
Structure 2 |
UN = Uncountable Noun / Non-Count
Noun |
little noun
much (UN) |
Before he came here, he had done little traveling
We don't have much
information |
Remember that the following nouns are examples of
uncountable nouns (or non-count nouns): |
advice
hair
homework |
information
money
news |
|
Avoid using a countable noun instead of an
uncountable noun after little and much. |
Structure 3 |
CN = Countable Noun / Count Noun |
only a few CN |
Only a few dollars have been budgeted for supplies |
Avoid using few instead of
a few after only. |
UN = Uncountable Noun / Non-Count
Noun |
only a little UN |
We have only a little homework for Monday |
Avoid using little instead of
a little after only. |
EXAMPLE: |
Incorrect: |
George had to balance his account very carefully
because he had few money. |
Correct: |
George had to balance his account very carefully
because he had little money. |
|
USEFUL LINKS in our megaportal:
OM
Grammar: Making Uncountable Nouns Countable
OM
Company: Countable and Uncountable Nouns |
om
personal home page
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om toefl |