Things You Can / Can't Count
Count Nouns and Noncount Nouns
Noncount Nouns
Noncount nouns take the singular form of the verb. Remember to use both 'some' and any' when discussing specific objects in your home or office.
Example:
Jim makes sure he has some money in his bank account.
There always seems to be an order to be confirmed when she arrives at work each morning.
The order to be confirmed requires a large amount of money.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.
Example:
The start-up costs are high.
Production costs can be reduced by use of good manufacturing practices.
Count Nouns
Count nouns take the plural form of the verb. Remember to use both 'some' and any' when discussing specific objects in your home or office.
Example:
The total value of his personal property is over one $100,000.
The teller will need to explain the shortages to her superior.
There are some questions on the pre-tax profit that I need to raise at the meeting today.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general. Use the plural form of count nouns to discuss these objects in general.
Example:
A responsible person will have outstanding credits.
Majority interest is an important consideration.