Text types: Instructions

Using countable and uncountable nouns

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In instructions countable nouns are often used to refer to equipment (a ruler, a pencil, a paintbrush) that can be counted, while uncountable nouns are typically used to refer to materials (bamboo, paper, glue, paint, string) which are usually considered uncountable in English.

When referring to materials and equipment, a common pattern is to add more describing information after the noun in a Qualifier . 

In these cases, the Qualifier actually carries most of the meaning, since we are interested in 'bamboo' rather than 'pieces', 'paper' rather than 'sheets', and 'glue' rather than 'tubes'.

When referring to amounts with uncountable nouns, it is common to use a countable noun to refer to the measurement and an uncountable noun for the substance:

3 pieces of bamboo [pieces = countable; bamboo = uncountable]
a sheet of paper [sheet = countable; paper = uncountable]
a tube of glue [tube = countable; glue = uncountable]

Many nouns can be countable in one sense and uncountable in another. For example, string is uncountable when referring to the material, but can be countable when referring to an individual length of string which has a specific purpose:

a roll of strong string [uncountable]
Secure one end of each string tightly to the frame ... [countable]

For more information, see:

Grammar: Word classes: Nouns: Countable and uncountable nouns  
Grammar: Groups & phrases: Noun group: Overview

Some countable nouns behave in special ways. For example, sheep can be both singular and plural without any change in the form of the word: 

        I saw a sheep. [singular]
        The sheep have grazing in that field all week. [plural]

Some countable nouns are always plural because we think of them as two parts which form an inseparable pair (a pair of scissors).

For more information on singular and plural countable nouns, see Grammar: Word classes: Nouns: Noun formation: Singular and plural forms  

Note that the terms Describer, Pointer, Qualifier and Thing are written with a capital to remind us that they are functional terms.

To see the ways in which countable and uncountable nouns are used in the STEPS stage of the instructions for making a kite, click here: