Cabbage, garlic, carrots, beets, corn, radishes, onions, bell pepper, tomatoes and cucumbers - which vegetables are countable in English and which are not?
It must be said that the countability of nouns in the English language is very ornate, defies logic and is not understandable to us Russians. After all, it would seem that all of the vegetables listed can be counted, right?
However, take a look:
Garlic is NOT a countable noun - garlic.
Onion - countable - an onion / onions.
Why “onions” - read below.
Now, let's talk about cabbage.
A common question is: is it a countable noun or an uncountable noun? With this vegetable in English the logic is as follows:
Cabbage is NOT a countable noun.
Then why is “a cabbage” used with an article, you ask?
The whole nuance is that when we talk about cabbage, we mean a head of cabbage. Therefore, the word “cabbage” itself is used in the plural cabbages without an article. And “A head of cabbage” is a countable noun, therefore, a cabbage is written with an article.
This one is a little tricky, right? They screwed it up, didn't they?
Let's look at examples.
If you need to say: I love cabbage /in principle/
I like a cabbage is not the correct option.
I like cabbages is the correct option.
Same thing with the word "onion"
Why is onion spelled onions?
If you take one onion, then we write onion.
If you are talking about onions in general, then we write onions.
And here is an example of how the word “cabbage” is used in the same sentence, but the meaning is the same.
“Next time I go to the store, I need to buy cabbage.”
I have to get a head of cabbage the next time I go to the grocery store.
I have to get some cabbage the next time I go to the grocery store.
The picture shows a variety of American cabbage..
Looks like our leaf lettuce.
This cabbage is called in English - a kale.
They make salads with it and squeeze out juice.
Cabbage juice - a kale juice.
Cabbage smoothie - a kale smoothie.
Important note on articles
If you find it difficult to place an article before any type of vegetable or in general before any nouns, follow three rules:
1. Place universal words in front of the noun: “The, some, any, this”, according to the general meaning.
2. Most often, the use of articles before nouns goes against everyone established rules, therefore, focus on the context.
3. It is better to put an article than not to have one at all.
Another tip on using articles before names of vegetables
Carrots, beets, corn, radishes, bell peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers are countable nouns and are written with articles if they are in singular.
Please note:
Corn, broccoli, cauliflower: individually written without the article corn, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic, but
an ear of corn - an ear of corn,
a stalk (or head) of cauliflower - cauliflower,
a stalk (or head) of broccoli - broccoli,
a bunch of kale - a bunch of cabbage or lettuce,
a bulb of garlic, a garlic clove - a head of garlic or a clove of garlic.
On this page you can familiarize yourself with how countable and uncountable nouns are used in English:
- what is a countable noun
- what is an uncountable noun
- use of articles and verbs with countable nouns
- use of articles and verbs with uncountable nouns
- how to indicate the quantity of an object expressed by an uncountable noun
Countable nouns
Countable nouns are called nouns that denote objects that can be counted, i.e. from them can be formed plural. In the singular form, they are preceded by either an article, indicating that the subject one -a if the noun begins with a consonant (b, d, t etc.), an if the noun begins with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u) or a number indicating the number of objects, if there are several of them and the noun is in the plural form. We have emphasized countable nouns in the following examples.
| Example: | A bus is at the bus stop. | The bus is at a stop. |
| Do you have an umbrella? | Do you have an umbrella? | |
| Here are two books. | Here are two books. | |
| Twenty students are present. | Twenty students are present. |
Uncountable nouns
In English, a number of nouns do not form a plural form and do not have an indefinite article in front of them a, an or a number indicating the number of items. And since the quantity of these objects cannot be determined by a specific number, such nouns are called uncountable. This includes:
Verb usage
With uncountable nouns, a singular verb is used.
Some
Also with uncountable nouns we use some in meaning "a certain amount". Some is also used with countable nouns in the plural meaning "some".
Partitive case
To indicate the quantity of an object that is expressed by an uncountable noun, the following words are used, which stand before the uncountable noun, defining it. This linguistic phenomenon is called the partitive case in English.
| a jar of marmalade | jar of jam |
| a bottle of champagne | bottle of champagne |
| a piece of cake | piece of cake |
| a loaf of bread | loaf of bread |
| A cup of tea | cup of tea |
| a bar of chocolate | bar of chocolate |
| a glass of water | glass of water |
| a kilo of meat | kilogram of meat |
| a carton of milk | milk carton |
| a bowl of soup | bowl of soup |
| a can of fruit juice | fruit juice can (tin) |
| a jug of orange juice | jug of orange juice |
| a slice of bread | piece of bread |
| a tin of fish | can of canned fish |
| a packet of spaghetti | pack of spaghetti |
Section 1. Definition of countable and uncountable nouns
The main difference between countable and uncountable nouns is whether the things they represent can or cannot be counted one by one.
Countable nouns (count nouns) denote objects that exist as separate, individual units. Typically, each such object is perceived by our senses as separate.
Examples:
- table (table)
- finger (finger)
- bottle (bottle)
- chair (chair)
- remark (remark)
- award
- word
- girl (girl)
- candidate
Example sentences:
I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Just one.)
I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Only one.)
I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted.)
I drank a glass of milk. (You can count the glasses of milk.)
I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted.)
I saw an apple tree. (The apple trees can be counted.)
Uncountable nouns (noncount nouns) denote things that are thought of as a whole, in which the individual elements (parts) cannot be counted. Often we are talking about abstractions, abstract concepts or a “collective whole” (for example, furniture).
Examples:
- anger
- courage
- progress
- furniture (furniture)
- education
- weather
- warmth
- leisure (leisure)
- precision
Example sentences:
I dove into the water. (How many waters did you dive into? The question doesn't make any sense; therefore water is noncountable.)
I dived into the water (How many “waters” did you dive into? The question is meaningless, therefore water is an uncountable noun.)
I saw the milk spill. (How many milks? Milk cannot be counted.)
I saw spilled milk (How many different “milks” are there? Milk cannot be “counted.”)
I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be counted.)
I admired the beauty of the foliage. (How many “foliage”? You can’t count the foliage.)
Imagine pie dough. Before it's been in the oven, it doesn't separate into non-draining pieces because it's liquid (though quite dense). After baking, the pie from this dough can be cut into pieces. Uncountable nouns are like dough (or liquid), and countable nouns are like pieces of (finished) cake.
Note: Since this issue is complex and we know that there are practically no absolute rules, exceptions are possible. The above gives us only a general idea of the concept of countability/non-countability. Don't forget that nouns that are countable in English may be uncountable in another language, and vice versa.
Section 2. Use of countable and uncountable nouns
Pluralizing
Rule
Perhaps from the above definitions of countable and uncountable nouns you have already guessed how their plural is formed:
- for the majority countable nouns are pluralized adding an ending -s ;
- uncountable nouns in general have no plural.
This rule works for all nouns from the examples in section 1.
Exception to the rule
This rule changes slightly for some English nouns that belong to both classes at once, that is, they have both countable, so uncountable meaning. As a rule, an uncountable value is abstract and general, while a countable value is concrete (real). Compare:
Count Nouns
- I"ve had some difficulties finding a job. (refers to a number of specific problems)
I had some difficulties in finding a job (that is, several specific problems). - The talks will take place in the Krannert building. (refers to a number of specific lectures)
Lectures (talks) will take place in the Krannert building (that is, several specific lectures). - The city was filled with bright lights and harsh sounds. (refers to a number of specific lights and noises)
Lights were burning everywhere in the city and sharp sounds were heard (that is, specific lights and sounds).
Noncount Nouns
- She succeeded in school with little difficulty. (references to the general idea of school being difficult)
At school she studied successfully, without difficulties (that is, difficulty as an abstract idea associated with learning). - I dislike idle talk. (references to talking in general)
I don't like empty talk (that is, abstract "talking"). - Light travels faster than sound. (refers to the way light and sound behave in general)
Light travels faster than sound (that is, light as an uncountable noun).
Comment: Sometimes uncountable nouns can also act as countable nouns. This occurs when a noun, which is usually uncountable, is understood as a separate unit (portion) distinct from other units of the same class. This often happens with the names of dishes (food) and drinks, wine, bread, fruit, etc. Examples:
- There are several French wines to choose from (= kinds of wine).
There are several French wines (= varieties of wine) to choose from. - I prefer Sumatran coffees to Colombian (= kinds of coffee).
I prefer Sumatra coffees to Colombian coffees (= different types coffee). - We use a variety of different batters in our bakery (= kinds of batter).
In our bakery we use different types of dough (= varieties of dough).
Recently, “homework” has entered the category of such nouns. Some students use it in the plural as a countable word. For example: "You"re missing three of the homeworks from the first part of the course. - You haven’t done it (not enough) three household assignments from the first part of the course." But such word usage has not yet become generally accepted and is used, as a rule, in informal communication.
This combination of the role of countability/uncountability by some nouns naturally affects the rule for the formation of the plural: in the countable role they form the plural like ordinary countable nouns, but in the uncountable role they do not have a plural, like other uncountable nouns.
Articles
Nouns and Articles
Choosing an article for a noun (if one is needed at all) is a difficult task, since it depends on 1) whether it is countable/uncountable and 2) whether it is singular or plural. Both uncountable and countable nouns (the latter in both singular and plural) can be used with the article.
Combinations of Nouns and Articles
The following table shows the compatibility of articles with nouns. Please note that among the articles we have placed demonstrative pronouns. They are like definite article, indicate 1) a unique person/object or 2) a person/object/event that was previously familiar or mentioned (in a letter) - so that both the reader and the writer already know it.
| a, an | the | this, that this one, that one |
these, those these, those |
no article without article |
|
| Count singular (singular countable nouns) |
XX | XX | XX | ||
| Count plural (plural countable nouns) |
XX | XX | XX | ||
| Noncount (uncountable nouns) |
XX | XX | XX |
Examples:
I ate an apple.
I ate an apple.
I rode the bus.
I traveled by bus.
Does she live in this house? No, she lives in that house over there.
Does she live in this house? No, she lives in that house over there.
I like to feed the birds.
I like to feed the birds.
Do you want these books? No, I want those books up there.
Do you need these books? No, I want the ones at the top.
Cats are interesting pets.
Cats are interesting pets.
The water is cold.
The water is cold.
This milk is going sour.
The milk will turn sour.
Music helps me relax.
Music helps me relax.
Quantity Terms
The following table shows the combinability of nouns with words denoting quantity. Please note that several words denoting quantity can appear in a row: many more (= much more), many fewer (= much less), much more (= much more for uncountable) and much less (= much less for uncountables). Negative particles can also be used with these phrases " not" And " no".
Examples:
Countable nouns in the singular (Count Singular):
I practice every day.
I work out (train) every day.
I"d like one donut, please.
Give me one donut, please.
Countable nouns in the plural (Count Plural):
Can I have some chips?
Can I (have) some chips?
She has a lot of books, and many are autographed.
She has many books, many of them autographed.
I have fewer pencils than you.
I have fewer pencils than you.
Uncountable nouns (Noncount):
Can I have some water?
Can I (drink) some water?
She has a lot of strength, and much is due to her upbringing.
She is very strong, largely thanks to her upbringing.
I have less courage than you.
I have less courage (courage) than you.
Nouns can be countable ( Countable nouns) and uncountable ( Uncountable nouns). In English, when agreeing a subject with a predicate, it is important to know what kind of noun it is; the use of articles and verbs depends on this.
TO countable include nouns that denote the names of concrete objects and abstract concepts that can be counted. Used in both singular and plural. Can be used in the singular with indefinite articles " a" or " an"(which carry the concept - one of...).
an apple - five apples,
a book - two books,
a table - three tables
a student - students,
a girl - girls,
a hand - hands
Uncountable nouns are names of substances, abstract concepts that cannot be counted. Their cannot be used with indefinite articles « a" or " an».
water - water,
bread - bread,
sugar - sugar,
rain - rain,
snow - snow.
Uncountable nouns have only a singular form, even if translated into Russian in the plural. For example:
money - money,
hair - hair.
With uncountable nouns, a singular verb is used.
Some used with uncountable nouns in the meaning “ some amount", and with plural countables in the meaning " some».
some milk - a little milk
some tomatoes - several tomatoes
Some friends of mine will come to this party.
Several of my friends are coming to the party.
(Some of my friends will come to the party).
Use of indefinite pronouns:
| Countable | Uncountable | |
| Interrogatives and negative offers |
Many- a lot | Much- a lot |
| How many? Do you have many books? Idon't have many friends. |
How much? Do you have much money? Idon't have much time. |
|
| Affirmative offers |
A lot of- a lot (can be used in interrogative and negative sentences instead many And much) |
|
| I have a lot of books | I have a lot of tea | |
| In all proposals |
a few- A little | a little- A little |
| I have a few books. I have several books. (few books) |
I have a little time. I have some time. |
|
| few- few | little- few | |
| I have few books. I don't have many books. |
I have little time. I don't have much time. |
|
To indicate the quantity expressed by an uncountable noun, certain words are used in front of them:
a cup of tea - a cup of tea
a glass of water - a glass of water
a bowl of soup - a bowl of soup
a jar of marmalade - jar of jam
a loaf of bread - a loaf of bread
a carton of milk - a carton of milk
Some words, depending on the situation, can be either countable or uncountable. Accordingly, there will be a difference in the meaning of these words.
Uncountable nouns become countable if they denote a separate part from the whole, not the substance itself, but an object consisting of this substance, and also denote a type, variety.
Any language, be it Italian, German or English, reflects the life of the people for whom this language is native. When studying English, we constantly compare it with our native language and find out that in some ways the structures of our languages coincide, but in others they differ. There are also differences in the definition of countable and uncountable nouns. That is, in the Russian language there are nouns that are classified as countable, but in English these nouns are uncountable. This happens because our peoples perceive the world around us differently and this is directly reflected in the languages and differences appear.
So, there are some nouns that denote phenomena, properties, qualities, emotions, and are uncountable in English, but in Russian these same nouns can be countable. There is no need to say that this creates confusion, because one must learn to imagine the world exactly as the British imagine it, then such a discrepancy becomes understandable.
For example, I will write several uncountable nouns, which in English can only be singular, and the article “a” is not applicable to these nouns. Therefore, many of these nouns can be translated into Russian in both singular and plural.
Then it is not clear how to form the plural with such nouns? It turns out there are two options.
First option: uncountable nouns of this group have a corresponding countable noun.
Uncountable Countable
bread = bread a loaf = loaf
clothing = clothing a garment = item of clothing
laughter = laughter, laughter a laugh = laughter
luggage/baggage = luggage a suitcase, a trunk, a bag = suitcase, traveling bag, bag
money/cash = money a coin/ a banknote = coin, banknote
pay = payment a payment = payment, payment
permission = permission a permit = pass, permission
poetry = verses, poetry a poem /a rhyme = poem
work = work a job = place of work
Second option: to determine the number, words are used that can be called “pieces”. They, as a rule, are not translated, but give the meaning of singularity or plurality.
a piece, a bit, an article, an item
For example:
a piece of news = one piece of news; two pieces of news = two news; some pieces of news = several news; much news = a lot of news;
a piece of advice = one piece of advice; three bits of advice = three pieces of advice; some bits of advice = some advice; much advice = a lot of advice;
an article of furniture = one piece of furniture; several pieces of furniture = several pieces of furniture.
I will write a few nouns that in English can only be uncountable nouns.
1. accommodation = housing, apartment, house, premises, convenience, amenities (in an apartment or in a house);
The high cost of accommodation makes life difficult for students in London. = The high cost of housing makes life very difficult for students in London.
I am looking for accommodation. = I'm looking for housing.
2. advice = advice, advice; consultation, specialist advice.
He gave me a piece of advice. = He gave me one piece of advice.
He gave me some good advice. = He gave me some good advice.
3. behavior = behavior, demeanor, demeanor;
His behavior towards me shows that he likes me. = His behavior towards me shows that he likes me.
I’ll give you a bar of chocolate for good behavior. = For good behavior I will give you a chocolate bar.
4.conduct = behavior, especially moral; management, management;
I’m glad to see that your conduct at school has improved. = I'm glad to see that your behavior at school has improved.
You should know the rules of conduct at school. = You should know the rules of behavior at school.
5. baggage = luggage; luggage;
6. luggage = luggage; things; luggage;
She is going to take a lot of luggage. = She is going to take a lot of luggage.
I collected my luggage from the left –luggage office. = I took my things from the storage room.
Please put the suitcase on the rack. = Please put the suitcase on the shelf.
7.bread = bread;
Don't eat much bread. = Don't eat a lot of bread.
I ‘ve bought a loaf of bread. = I bought a loaf of bread.
8.money = money;
I've got no money on me.
9.cash = money, cash, cash payment, cash payments;
We sell goods for cash only – we don’t give credit. = We sell products for cash only - we do not provide credit.
10. chaos = chaos, complete disorder, unrest;
The room was in a state of chaos when the bulglars had left. = The room was in complete disarray when the robbers left.
After the failure of electricity supplies the city was in chaos. = After a power failure, the city plunged into chaos.
11.damage = harm, damage, damage;
The storm caused great damage. = The storm caused great destruction.
This new law has done a lot of damage to the government’s popularity. = This new law caused great harm to the government's reputation.
12. harm = harm; damage;
A walk before going to bed won’t do you any harm.
13. lightning= lightning, lightning;
I’ve seen flashes of lightning in the sky.
14. china = porcelain, porcelain product, porcelain products;
There is a lot of China in the cupboard. = There was a lot of china in the buffet
15. equipment = equipment;
There is modern equipment in this factory. = This factory has modern equipment.
16.fun = joke, jokes, fun;
We had a lot of fun at the party. = We had a lot of fun at the party.
There is no fun in spending the evening doing nothing. = It's not fun to spend the whole evening doing nothing.
17. luck = chance, fate, luck, happiness;
Luck was with us and we won easily. = Luck was on our side and we won easily.
I've had bad luck all week. = I've been unlucky all week.
It was a great piece of luck to meet her there. = Was great luck meet her there.
18. leisure = leisure, free time;
He has no leisure for reading. = He doesn't have time to read.
19. music = music; musical work, works;
I like classical music. = I like classical music.
That's a beautiful piece of music. = This is a wonderful piece of music.
20. poetry = poetry; poetry;
I've bought a book of poetry. = I bought a book of poems.
21. furniture = furniture, furnishings;
There is no furniture in the flat. = There is no furniture in the apartment.
22. information = information, information;
They'll tell you all you want to know. They'll give you a lot of information. = They will tell you everything you want to know. They will give you a lot of information.
23.news = news, news;
Bad news doesn't make people happy. = Bad news doesn't make people happy.
Here are some interesting pieces of news. = Here's some interesting news.
24. mud = dirt, slush, silt, mud;
Rain turns dust into mud. = Rain turns dust into mud.
25. rubbish = rubbish, rubbish, nonsense;
There was a heap of rubbish on the floor. = There was a lot of rubbish on the floor.
26.permission = permission, permission, permissions;
If you want to take a book, you should ask for permission. = If you want to take a book, you need to ask permission.
By whose permission did you enter this building? = Who gave you permission to enter this building?
27.progress = progress, development, movement forward;
Your English has improved. You have made progress. = Your English has improved. You have succeeded.
The patient is making good progress. = The patient is recovering.
28. scenery = landscape, view.
What a lovely scenery! = What a beautiful landscape!
29.soap= soap;
Use plenty of soap to wash your hands. They are very dirty. = Use a lot of soap to wash your hands, they are very dirty.
30.trouble= anxiety, excitement, worries, troubles; troubles;
Her heart was full of trouble. = Her heart was full of anxiety.
He has been through much trouble. = He went through a lot of troubles.
