uncountable and countable noun? CONFUSION

danialjavaid · #1 Tuesday, February 21, 2012

I am going to start this thread in the hope of getting replies from the experts of grammar.
As it is known to everyone that abstract nouns should be used without indefinite article (a\an). But,abstract nouns, like hope,doubt,suspicion,belief,understanding etc,are seen with indefinite articles.
example . The poem gives us an understanding of the cruel behavior of the society towards the Jews.

2.There is a hope that we shall win the match.
3.I have a doubt that he was involved in the murder.
4.I have a firm belief that we shall succeed in the long run.

now ,the question arises in my mind how one can have the clear distinction between countable and uncountable nouns.

azeegum · #2 Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by danialjavaid

I am going to start this thread in the hope of getting replies from the experts of grammar.
As it is known to everyone that abstract nouns should be used without indefinite article (a\an). But,abstract nouns, like hope,doubt,suspicion,belief,understanding etc,are seen with indefinite articles.
example . The poem gives us an understanding of the cruel behavior of the society towards the Jews.

2.There is a hope that we shall win the match.
3.I have a doubt that he was involved in the murder.
4.I have a firm belief that we shall succeed in the long run.

now ,the question arises in my mind how one can have the clear distinction between countable and uncountable nouns.

Well, many abstract nouns are not used with articles and when it comes to their number they are treated as uncountable nouns. Therefore they do not take an/an as their articles. These nouns are preceded by some, any, no, a little, etc or by nouns such as bit, piece, slice, etc + of:

Examples:

a bit of news
a piece of information
a great deal of knowledge
a piece of music
a piece of advice
a lot of entertainment etc.

BUT

Many of these nouns can be used in a particular sense and are then countable. They can take an/an in the singular and can be used in the plural. Some examples are as follows:

It was a respite from the rough and tumble of life.
She a had a good knowledge of English literature.
He has a dislike of fake people.
The old person has a hatred of violence.
The youth have a love of music.
It's a pity you were not at the party.
It's a shame she lies.
I have a suspicion that you are trying to trick me into your rhetoric.

And many other examples can be rattled off...

So it depends on the context and meaning of an abstract noun in which it is being used, to decide if indefinite articles will be used with it.

There are still many abstract nouns which can introduced with that-clauses introduced by there. Some examples are as follows:

There is a fear that military will topple the government.
There are fears that the crises may further aggravate an already worse situation.
She has a suspicion/suspicions that her brother has been killed
And so on and so forth...

I hope it helps

Regards

danialjavaid · #3 Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Thanks Azeem for replying so soon.
Could you entertain me with more examples.

azeegum · #4 Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by danialjavaid

Thanks Azeem for replying so soon.
Could you entertain me with more examples.

Aren't they enough to understand how to distinguish between countable and uncountable abstract nouns? However I am going to provide you a few more as follows:

She has a dread of death
The children feel a horror of scary movies
Some people have a disgust against drinking
It was a fun to be with her
It was a wonder to know you cannot sing
If you are hale and hearty, it's a mercy of ALLAH
Some difficulties are sometimes a blessing in disguise
Danial had a confusion about countable and uncountable nouns

Make a list of all abstract nouns you know and use them in your own sentences by using a/an where it makes sense and get them checked by your mentor or a senior...

Regards

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