Countable Nouns with A, An and Some
Nouns can be countable or uncountable.
a) Countable nouns are , for example:
- cat
- umbrella
- job
- suggestion
- boy
b) Countable nouns are things we can count and we can make them plural.
- two cats
- six jobs
- some boys
- many suggestions
c) Before singular countable noun you can use a or an.
a/an + countable noun
- That´s a good suggestion
- Do you need an umbrella?
d) You cannot use singular countable nouns alone (without a/an/the/my, etc).
- I am looking for a job
- Be careful of the dog
- I have got a headache
- Would you like a cigarette?
e) We often use a/an + noun when we say what something/someone is, or what something/someone is like.
Structure:
verb is + a/an + adjective/adverb + noun
Examples:
- A tiger is an animal
- This is a really beautiful house
- What a nice dress!
- Sue is a very nice person
- Jack has a big nose
f) Use a/an for jobs.
- Maria´s mother is a doctor
- I would like to be an english teacher.
g) In sentences like these, we use plural countable nouns alone.
- Maria´s parents are very nice people
- Ann has blue eyes
- What awful shoes!
- Dogs are animals
- Are most of your friends students?
h) We use some with plural countable nouns.
Some = a number of / a few of (but we don´t know or say exactly how many)
- I´ve seen some good movies lately
- Some friends of mine are coming to stay for the weekend
i) Do not use some when you are talking about things in general.
- I love bananas
- I like running
j) Sometimes you can use some or leave it out.
- There are (some) eggs in the refrigerator
k) You have to use some when you mean some, but not all / not many, etc.
- Some children learn very quickly
- Some police officers in Britain carry guns, but most of them don´t.
