Gra ar Countable Nouns, Uncountable Nouns & Quantifiers
A
Look at the nouns in bold. Which are countable and which are uncountable? Write C (countable) and U (uncountable). 1 Grandpa told us a story about our ancestors. 2 Each country has its own traditions. 3 Information about our genes comes from our DNA. 4 A mother feels great love for her children. 5 An aunt of mine gave me this picture.
Circle the correct words to complete the rules.
Countable / Uncountable nouns refer to separate items. They can be singular and plural. We use an article (a/an/the) before singular countable nouns. Countable / Uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be counted or abstract ideas. These nouns do not have a plural form.
B
Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable depending on their meaning. How is the meaning of hair different in these sentences? 1 My sister washes her hair every day. 2 Oh no! There are dog hairs all over the sofa.
C
The words and phrases below are quantifiers and can be used with countable and uncountable nouns to express quantity. Write these words and phrases in the correct column. a lot of a kilo of a number of any a few a little lots of many much some Only Countable
Only Uncountable
Both
✗ ✗
✗
✗
✗
Read 1.5-1.7 of the Grammar Reference on page 162 before you do the tasks.
F
Close-Up C R Remember that some plural countable nouns don’t end in –s, and that some n uncountable nouns do end in –s. u
D
Write W it the th words in the correct column. advice food generation information mirror people maths family research tradition Countable
Uncountable
Choose the correct answers. 1 A large history. a many
of people are interested in their family’s b amount
c
number
2 Her cousin has got electronic equipment at home. a lots of b many c an 3 I’d like a a few
information on my ancestors. b some c
4 There are lots of a hairs
on your pillow. b hair
c
many a hair
5 The money he inherited from his uncle about a million dollars. a is b are c be 6 Would you like to do research at the library? a many b a few c some 7 Maths a is
E
Chocolate and time can also be countable and uncountable depending on their meaning. Write a sentence for each meaning in your notebook.
my favourite subject at school. b are c were
8 She inherited grandmother. a a piece of
furniture that belonged to her great b a few
c
many
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