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:
That workstation is polluted with gasoline fumes.
She has some time to send the advanced shipment notification built into her schedule.
He has some desire for a zero-defect purchase.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.
Example:
I have reports on the seasonality we face from every sector.
A defect can injure consumers all around the world.
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:
There are antislip strips running along every aisle.
There are few trainers or consultants with the know-how we seek.
There are hundreds of factories dedicated to just-in-time manufacturing.
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:
Semi-finished products play an important role in our business.
Direct costs must be assessed in any production process.