LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST SKILL 40: DISTINGUISH COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST

STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

SKILL 40: DISTINGUISH COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

In English, nouns are classified as countable or incountable. As the name implies, countable nouns are nouns that can be counted for example book. The noun book is countable because you can have one book or several books. Uncountable nouns, on the other hand, are nouns that cannot be counted because they come in some indeterminate quantity or mass. A noun such as milk or happiness cannot be counted.

He has seen much* foreign films.	much is incorrect because films is countable. This sentence should say many foreign films.
He didn’t have many* fun at the movies.	many is incorrect because fun is uncountable. This sentence should say much fun.

The following chart lists the key words that indicate to you whether a noun should countable or uncountable:

 

EXERCISE 40: Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a noun should be countable or uncountable. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

……………	3	You will have fewer problems with your income taxes if you get professional help.
……………	4	After the strike, the company dismissed many employers.
……………	5	Because the bottom corner of the pocket was torn, much coins fell out.
……………	6	Since he bought the new adapter, he has had less trouble with the machine.
……………	7	There are much new items to purchase before leaving, and there is such a short amount of time.
……………	8	The less time you take on the assignment, the less pages you will complete.
……………	9	A few soldiers who had been in heavy combat were brought back for a little rest.
……………	10	It is better to go shopping in the late evening because there are less people in the market, and you can accomplish a number of tasks in a short period of time.

ANSWER KEY

1	C
2	I	(amount should be number)
3	C
4	C
5	I	(much should be many)
6	C
7	I	(much should be many)
8	I	(less pages should be fewer pages)
9	C
10	I	(less should be fewer)