Countable nouns are nouns that can be used in the singular or plural. We can count them. Apples 1 apple, 2 apples, 3 apples, etc. Pears 1 pear, 2 pears, 3 pears, etc… Chairs Cars
Uncountable nouns can not be counted, but they can be measured. Sugar 1 sugar, 2 sugars, 3 sugars… Sugar 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoon of
sugar, etc. Water 1 water 1 cup of water, 1 bottle of
water, etc.
They are called “indefinite articles”. “A” is used to count one in quantity. It is used before words that begin with a consonant. Examples:a pear,a piece of lemon pie
“An” is used to count one in quantity, but it is used before words that begin with a vowel.An appleAn egg
“Some” is used when talking about a big quantity of something but not all. It is used in positive sentences with countable or uncountable nouns: Ugh, some pears are rotten! Would you give me some water please?*
“Any” is used with the same types of nouns. The only difference is that “any” is used in negative and interrogative sentences. There isn’t any milk left in the fridge. Is there any of that lemon cake left?
* Used in requests when you expect “yes” as an answer.
The word “much” is used to refer to a big quantity of something. It is used in uncountable nouns.How much water do we have to add to the
mixture?Try not to add much sugar to your tea.
On the other hand, the word “many” is used in countable nouns to refer to a big group of something.How many lemons do you need to do a
lemon pie?Not too many, just 2 lemons.