Topic Areas

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:

The order to be confirmed requires a large amount of money.

There always seems to be an order to be confirmed when she arrives at work each morning.

Jim makes sure he has some money in his bank account.

Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.

Example:

The start-up costs are high.

Majority interest is an important indicator of the success of a new product.

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 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.

The total value of his personal property is over one $100,000.

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:

Government bonds are mostly a secure investment.

A responsible person will have outstanding credits.

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Purchase English for Business and Commerce

Key Phrases
Accrual
Administrative expenses
Interest rate
Capital assets
limited liability company
Appreciation
Value at market price
Affiliated company
Base rate
Official discount rate
On receipt of the order
Accrued liability
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Appraisal
Amortization
Stock dividend
Enterprise
Owner’s equity
Merchant bank
Outstanding credits

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