English Uncountable Nouns

Unlike countable nouns, which can be counted (for example: “two apples”), uncountable nouns are treated as singular entities and typically do not have a plural form.

Uncountable nouns often refer to:

• Materials or substances that cannot be individually counted (e.g., water, rice, air)

• Abstract ideas or concepts (e.g., love, knowledge, time)

• A collection of items or entities as a single unit (e.g. furniture, luggage, clothing)

• Other things that cannot be counted or separated (e.g., news, money, traffic)

Characteristics of Uncountable Nouns

No plural form (or only a plural form)

Most uncountable nouns do not have a plural form. For example, you would not say “waters” or “advices.” Instead, these nouns are always used in their singular form:

We need water.

I don’t have any money.

Can I give you some advice?

However, some uncountable nouns only have a plural form. Here are some examples:

• scissors

• pants

• glasses 

• clothes

Use quantifiers and units of measurement

Since uncountable nouns cannot be counted, we use quantifiers or units of measurement to specify an amount. For example:

• a glass of water

• a piece of advice

• a lot of information

• a few grains of rice

• a pair of pants

Don’t use “a” or “an”; can use “the”

Uncountable nouns are generally used without the indefinite articles “a” or “an.” However, they can be used with definite articles (the) when specifying something particular:

I need information. (General)

I need the information you promised. (Specific)

Most take singular verb forms

Uncountable nouns typically take singular verb forms because they are treated as singular entities:

The news is shocking.

Money makes the world go round.

However, uncountable nouns with only a plural form take the plural verb form. For example:

My pants are too tight.