Articles with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Form

article + countable / uncountable noun


I eat an apple for breakfast every day. (Apple is countable.)
I eat bread for breakfast every day. (Bread is uncountable.)

Usage

  • You can use a/an/the with singular countable nouns.

I bought a car. (Not I bought car.)

The ostrich laid an egg.
Get the papers on my table.

  • You cannot use a/an/the with uncountable nouns.

Sugar is used in making soda.

  • But you can use a + ___ + of

a bottle of soda

  • Generally, use (1) a definite article or (2) no article with plural nouns.

1. I like the animals at the aquarium. (animals specifically found at the aquarium)

2. I like animals. (Animals in general)

Read the text:


I saw a girl with long, curly hair. The girl is holding a box of chocolates. The girl was talking to herself while walking. I think the girl has mental issues.

  • Take note that we use a/an if it is the first time we mention someone or something in a conversation. We use the if the listener already knows which specific object we are referring to in a conversation.

Other English grammar lessons can be found here.

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One reply on “Articles with Countable and Uncountable Nouns”

I have bought a plant.
They reviewed the article about the global warming.
Yesterday I saw the dog that you told me last Friday.
Usually I eat an apple in the morning.

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