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:
There always seems to be an order to be confirmed when she arrives at work each morning.
Jim makes sure he has some money in his bank account.
The order to be confirmed requires a large amount of money.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.
Example:
Production costs should not be a factor.
Start-up costs tend to be underestimated.
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 some questions on the pre-tax profit that I need to raise at the meeting today.
The teller will need to explain the shortages to her superior.
The total value of his personal property is over one $100,000.
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:
Market capitalization is an important subject that you have to study.
Private banking plays no important role in any state-controlled enterprise system.