Uncountable Nouns :

           Some nouns are considered uncountable, you can´t count a single unit of them. They have no plural form and always take the verb in singular.

            Before uncountable nouns you can use THE / SOME / ANY / MUCH / THIS / MY : languages, abstract nouns, materials, school subjects, many kinds of food etc....., are uncountables.

            Here are some examples of uncountable ( = mass ) nouns :

            When you want to quantify an uncountable noun you must use a countable expression before it. Ex: A piece of information; 2 pages of homework; 3 drops of eye medication.

            Some uncountable nouns can also be considered countable ones depending on the situation, compare :

     I read two papers every morning. ( = 2 newspapers )

     I need some paper to write a note. ( = a piece / a sheet of paper )

     Eating good food is important for health.

     In Brazil we have different foods in the different regions. ( = kinds of food )

     During his journey into Africa, he had several difficult and threatening experiences. ( = situations )

     We need to hire someone with experience for this position. ( = background )

            We can always change from an uncountable noun to its corresponding countable one.

    I had too much baggage on my last trip.

    I had too many bags ( or suitcases ) on my last trip.

    He needs to find work soon.

    He needs to find a job soon.

    They have expensive furniture.

    They have expensive chairs, tables, sofas....

Countable Nouns :

          These nouns are possible to count, so they have plural form.

            Before countable nouns we use A , AN , SOME , ANY , A NUMBER OF , MY , etc....

            A and An are indefinite articles and they refer singular countable nouns. They can only be used with countable nouns that are in the singular form.

            A girl ; a baby ; an animal ; an egg ; an hour ; a suggestion ; an answer ; an honest man ; an item ; Attention : Use A before consonant sound. Use An before vowel sound

            Some , Any , a few of , a number of .... are used before coutable nouns in the plural.

            They've got some ideas for the project.

            There aren't any potatoes left in the refrigerator.

            A few of the students couldn't finish their tests in time.

            Ten horses were stolen from Mr. McDonald's farm.