Grammar: Word classes: Nouns

Countable and uncountable nouns

Examples of countable and uncountable nouns

Here is a list of common countable nouns. Note that these nouns refer to individual entities, and so they are rarely uncountable (except when used 'generically', ie when making a general statement that is always true).

Here is a list of common uncountable nouns. Note that these nouns refer to substances or qualities and so they are rarely, if ever, countable.

Here are some examples of nouns which can be either countable or uncountable, depending on their meaning. Note that (except for jam) both meanings for each of these nouns are related to food. When used as a countable noun, jam typically refers to traffic congestion: I always get caught in traffic jams.

Here are some more examples of nouns which can be either countable or uncountable, depending on meaning. When used as a countable noun, air has two different meanings. It can mean a melody: Grandpa took out his flute and played a slow, sad air. It can also be used in a set expression to mean that someone is conceited: Miss Lee's sister is always giving herself airs and graces.