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:
The faith-based organization ran a seminar on astrology.
Our volunteer think tank will explore the engineering we'll need to understand if we're to expand our adaptive capacity.
The fact sheet contains information.
Do not use determiners (a, the, these, etc.) when speaking in general.
Example:
We have developed a code of conduct for distributing food.
This regulation will stop hatred and hate speech.
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:
We relied on a focus group to help us formulate a position.
This flow chart depicts our rate of profit.
The Advocacy Alliance works with both yuppies and guppies.
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:
Harmonicas play an important role in all musical collaborations.
Contracts are helpful in the establishing of collaborative relationships.