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 fact sheet contains information.
Those activist events respond to and can change economic reality.
Your feedback about water safety is important to us.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.
Example:
This regulation will stop hatred and hate speech.
Our code of ethics forbids the wasting of beer.
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:
We relied on a focus group to help us formulate a position.
Each forum will present a discussion about a different aspect of the general crisis.
This flow chart depicts our rate of profit.
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:
Contracts are helpful in the establishing of collaborative relationships.
We research airplanes and aviation safety.