1. COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Form and Usage

2. countable / uncountable nouns
have singular and plural forms
we can use numbers with countable nouns
one person, two children, three women
we can use a/an and some
Sue has got a book/some books about dogs.
uncountable nouns
have only one form (either singular or plural)
we cannot use numbers with uncountable nouns
love, water, information, progress, …
we cannot use a/an
Could I have some information, please?
BZB, Englisch - ScG

3. Typical uncountable nouns
materials / substances
plastic, iron, wood, paper, water, air, coffee,…
abstract ideas
life, fun, freedom, progress, health, time
activities
work, travel, sleep, football, help, research
human feelings
happiness, anger, honesty, hope, respect, courage
many nature and weather phenomena
Snow, rain, fog, fire, ice, water, soil
a lot of food
flour, rice, sugar, vinegar
liquids
Oil, water, wine, blood, petrol
BZB, Englisch - ScG

4. MUCH / MANY SOME / ANY

5. MUCH / MANY MUCH for uncountable nouns How much money have we got?
There isn’t much water here.
MANY for countable nouns
How many chairs are there?
There aren’t many tables in this room.
Der Matsch ;-)
BZB, Englisch - ScG

6. A LOT OF / LOTS OF / PLENTY OF
a lot of /lots of and plenty of can be used for countable and uncountable nouns
a lot of / lots of means the same like many/much
We really don’t have a lot of milk left. Could you buy some?
There are lots of people out there!
plenty means very much/ more than enough
There’s plenty of time to do it. You don’t have to hurry.
We still have plenty to learn.
BZB, Englisch - RoC

7. A LITTLE / A FEW A little for uncountable nouns
Be careful, there’s a little water on the floor!
He ate a little rice at lunch.
A few for countable nouns
There were only a few students in the classroom.
We still had a few cans of tomato sauce in the kitchen.
BZB, Englisch - ScG

8. LITTLE / FEW
Be careful: There’s a difference between a little and little and between a few and few. A little = (ein) wenig, einige Little = nicht viel, nicht genug, zu wenig A few = einige, ein paar, ein wenig Few = nicht viele, nicht genügend, wenige, zu wenige
BZB, Englisch - ScG

9. SOME / ANY
We’ve got some juice, but we haven’t got any glasses. Have you got any cups?
We use some in a question if it is an offer/request
Could I have some more tea, please?
We use any in positive sentences if we mean ‘it doesn’t matter
which’
I’m free any day next week.
We use any in if-sentences.
If you need any help, just tell me. + - ?
some
any
BZB, Englisch - ScG

10. SOME / ANY something, anywhere, somebody, anyone, anyhow, etc. some+ - ?
some
any
The same rules also apply to combinations!
something, anywhere, somebody, anyone, anyhow, etc.
BZB, Englisch - ScG