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.
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.