What is the difference between a count noun and a non-count noun?
• When a noun can be counted, we call it count noun. Count nouns can be singular or plural. • When a noun cannot be counted, we call it non-count noun. Non-count nouns can be only singular because they refer to a mass, a group, or an amount. EXAMPLE Singular Count Noun pencil house car building There is an old building. There is not a new house here. Non-Count Noun water air sugar milk There is milk in the coffee. There isnt sugar in the coffee. Plural Count Noun pencils houses cars toys There are two cars in the garage. There are not toys at that store. Non-Count Noun X *There arent air in the theater. INCORRECT! Remember, you cannot make a NON-COUNT noun plural!! THERE ISNT and THERE ARENT Count and Non-Count Nouns and Examples • As you can see in the table, there is and there are in affirmative and negative can take a singular or plural count noun after the verb. • When the noun that follows the verb is non-count, it only takes there is or there isn’t. Examples: Count Nouns Non-Coun
