Countable nouns

UNIT 66   Countable nouns with a/an and some

A.   Countable nouns are, for example:

dog       umbrella          job         suggestion        girl
Countable nouns are things we can count. We can make them plural:
two dogs        six jobs         some girls          many suggestions







B.   Before singular countable nouns you can use a/an:

• That's a good suggestion

• Do you need an umbrella?

You cannot use singular countable nouns alone (without a/the/my, etc.):

• I'm looking for a job. (not I'm looking for job)

• Be careful of the dog. (not Be careful of dog)

• I've got a headache. 

• Would you like a cigarette?

C.   We often use a/an + noun when we say what something/someone is, or what something/someone is like:

• Sue is a very nice person.

• A dog is an animal.

• Jack has a big nose.

• This is a really beautiful house.

• What a nice dress!                       

Remember to use a/an for jobs:

• Tom's mother is a doctor. (not Tom's mother is doctor)

• I wouldn't like to be an English teacher.

In sentences like these, we use plural countable nouns alone (not with some):

• What awful shoes!

• Tom's parents are very nice people.(not some very nice people)

• Dogs are animals.

•  Are most of your friends students?

• Ann has blue eyes.

D.   We also use some with plural countable nouns. Some= a number of/a few of (but we don't know or say exactly how a number many):

• I've seen some good movies lately.

• Some friends of mine are coming to stay for the weekend.

Do not use some when you are talking about things in general:

• I love bananas. (not some bananas)

Sometimes you can use some or leave it out:

• There are (some) eggs in the refrigerator if you're hungry.

E.   You have to use some when you mean some, but not all/not many, etc.

• Some children learn very quickly. (but not all children)

• Some police officers in Britain carry guns, but most of them don't.