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A noncount noun is a noun such furniture or homework
that does not have either a singular or a plural form. Here are some
example of these noncount nouns in sentences:
1. The furniture in my apartment is old.
2. I need some new furniture.
3. Furniture can be very expensive.
4. My teacher gives a lot of homework.
5. My homework takes about two hours a day.
6. Homework helps students prepare for class.
Sometimes a word that is usually noncount can be used as a count noun.
Compare these three sentences:
5. Coffee is a major Brazilian product. (noncount = "this
type of product")
6. I want a coffee before we go to class. (singular = "a
cup of coffee")
7. Ethiopia produces several types of coffee. However, all the coffees
of Ethiopia are famous for their flavor and aroma. (plural = "several
examples of the product")
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How can I know if a
noun is "non-count"?
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| Noncount nouns can be divided into several categories.
These are words that are often used with noncount meaning. Sometimes
they can be changed in meaning to be used in singular or plural
forms. |
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1. Things
that come in very small pieces
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rice,
salt, sand
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2. Whole made
up of similar parts--sets of things
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food,
furniture, luggage |
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3. Names of
subjects of study
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accounting,
English, ESL, biology, mathematics
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4. Abstractions
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happiness,
justice, luck
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| 5.
Liquids/fluids |
blood,
milk, water |
| 6.
Gases |
carbon
monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen
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| 7.
Solids/minerals |
gold,
ice, mercury |
| 8.
Sports/types of recreation |
chess,
tennis, soccer |
| 9.
Natural phenomena |
dew,
rain, snow |
| 10.
Diseases |
measles,
mumps, smallpox |
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