Noun
Problem 01: Count nouns
Remember that count nouns have both singular and plural forms. Plural numbers can precede count nouns but non-count nouns.
There are several categories of count nouns that can help you organize your study. Some of them are listen here.
1. Names of persons, their relationship , and their occupations:
One boy ------------------------ two boys
One friend -------------------- two friends
2. Name of animals , plants , insects :
One dog ------------------------ two dogs
One flower --------------------- two flowers
3. Name of things with a definite , individual shape :
One car ------------------------- two cars
One room ---------------------- two rooms
4. Units of measurement :
One inch ------------------------ two inches
One pound --------------------- two pounds
5. Units of classification in society :
One family --------------------- two families
One language --------------- two languages
6. Containers of non-count solids , liquids , pastes and gases :
One bottle ----------------------- two bottles
One tube ------------------------- two tubes
7. A limited number of abstract concept :
One Idea ------------------------ Two ideas
One invention ---------------- two inventions
Quote:
Structure : Number (plural) + Noun (count-plural)
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Avoid using a singular count noun with a plural number.
Examples :
Incorrect : We have twenty dollar left
Correct : We have twenty dollars left
Incorrect : The temperature has been risen ten degree in two hours.
Correct : The temperature has been risen ten degrees in two hours.
Problem 02 : Non-count nouns
Remember that non-count nouns have only one form. They are used in agreement with singular verbs. The word ' the ' does not precede them.
There are categories of non-count nouns that can help you organize your study. Some of them are listed here.
1. Name of food staples that can be purchased in various forms :
Bread
meat
butter
2. Name of construction materials that can change shape , depending on what is made :
Wood
Iron
Grass
3. Name of the liquids that can change shape , depending on the shape of the container :
Oil
Tea
Milk
4. Name of the natural substances that can change shape , depending on natural laws :
steam , water , ice
smoke , ashes
oxygen
5. Name of the substances with many small parts :
rice
sand
sugar
6. Name of groups of things that have different sizes and shapes :
Clothing (a coat , a shirt etc)
furniture (a table , a bed etc)
luggage (a suitcase , a trunk etc)
7. Name of the languages :
Arabic
French
Spanish
8. Name of abstract concepts , often with ending -ness , -ance , -ence , -ity
Beauty
ignorance
peace
9. Most -ing forms :
learning
shopping
working
Quote:
Structure : noun (non-count) + verb (singular)
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Quote:
Expression : Friendship is important
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Avoid using the before a non-count noun. Avoid using a plural verb with a non-count noun.
Examples :
Incorrect : Nazia speaks the punjabi at home
Correct : Nazia speaks punjabi at home
Incorrect : Bread are expensive in the grocery store on the corner.
Correct : Bread is expensive in the grocery store on the corner.