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Countable and uncountable nouns: advanced points

20 square metres of wall​

Singular countable nouns are sometimes used as uncountables (e.g. with much, enough, plenty of or a lot of) in order to express the idea of amount.

  • There’s enough paint for 20 square metres of wall.
  • I’ve got too much nose and not enough chin.
  • If you buy one of these, you get plenty of car for your money.

not much difference​

Some countable abstract nouns can be used uncountably after little, much and other determiners. Common examples are difference, point, reason, idea, change, difficulty, chance and question.

  • There’s not much difference between ‘begin’ and ‘start’.
  • I don’t see much point in arguing about it.
  • We have little reason to expect prices to fall.
  • I haven’t got much idea of her plans.
  • There isn’t any change in his condition.
  • They had little difficulty in stealing the painting.
  • Do you think we have much chance of catching the train?
  • There’s some question of our getting a new Managing Director.

Note the expression have difficulty (in) …ing.

  • I have difficulty (in) remembering faces. (not I have difficulties …)

in all weathers; on your travels​

A few uncountable nouns have plural uses in fixed expressions.

  • He goes running in all weathers.
  • Did you meet anybody exciting on your travels?
  • Gulliver’s Travels (novel by Jonathan Swift)

a/an with uncountable nouns: a first-class knowledge​

With certain uncountable nouns – especially nouns referring to human emotions and mental activity – we often use a/an when we are limiting their meaning in some way.

  • We need a secretary with a first-class knowledge of German. (not … with first-class knowledge of German.)
  • She has always had a deep distrust of strangers.
  • That child shows a surprising understanding of adult behaviour.
  • My parents wanted me to have a good education. (not … to have good education.)
  • You’ve been a great help.
  • I need a good sleep.

Note that these nouns cannot normally be used in the plural, and that most uncountable nouns cannot be used with a/an at all, even when they have an adjective.

  • My father enjoys very good health. (not … a very good health.)
  • We’re having terrible weather. (not … a terrible weather.)
  • He speaks excellent English. (not … an excellent English.)
  • It’s interesting work. (not … an interesting work.)
  • His speech did serious damage to his chances of election. (not … a serious damage …)

Plural uncountables: the groceries; the customs​

Some uncountable nouns are plural. They have no singular forms with the same meaning, and cannot normally be used with numbers.

  • I’ve bought the groceries. (but not … a grocery.) or … three groceries.
  • The Dover customs have found a large shipment of cocaine. (but not The Dover custom has …)
  • Many thanks for your help. (but not Much thank …)
note

For details, (see here).