Blog about English
Distinguishing between countable and uncountable nouns and their grammatical behavior.
English nouns are classified as either countable or uncountable.
Countable nouns can be counted and have singular and plural forms. Uncountable nouns refer to substances, concepts or masses and normally do not have a plural form.
I bought a book yesterday.
Я купил книгу вчера.
"Book" is a countable noun because we can say one book, two books, and so on.
I bought a book yesterday.
Я купил книгу вчера.
"Book" is a countable noun because we can say one book, two books, and so on.
She has three books on her desk.
У нее на столе три книги.
"Books" is the plural form of the countable noun "book".
She has three books on her desk.
У нее на столе три книги.
"Books" is the plural form of the countable noun "book".
I need some water.
Мне нужно немного воды.
"Water" is normally uncountable when referring to the substance.
I need some water.
Мне нужно немного воды.
"Water" is normally uncountable when referring to the substance.
There is a lot of furniture in the apartment.
В квартире много мебели.
"Furniture" is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
There is a lot of furniture in the apartment.
В квартире много мебели.
"Furniture" is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
We bought two chairs for the kitchen.
Мы купили два стула для кухни.
"Chair" is countable because individual chairs can be counted.
We bought two chairs for the kitchen.
Мы купили два стула для кухни.
"Chair" is countable because individual chairs can be counted.
She gave me some useful advice.
Она дала мне несколько полезных советов.
"Advice" is uncountable in standard English even when several suggestions are meant.
She gave me some useful advice.
Она дала мне несколько полезных советов.
"Advice" is uncountable in standard English even when several suggestions are meant.
There are five students in the classroom.
В аудитории пять студентов.
"Students" is a plural countable noun.
There are five students in the classroom.
В аудитории пять студентов.
"Students" is a plural countable noun.
The equipment is expensive.
Оборудование дорогое.
"Equipment" is normally uncountable and takes a singular verb.
The equipment is expensive.
Оборудование дорогое.
"Equipment" is normally uncountable and takes a singular verb.
Countable nouns have both singular and plural forms.
Use a singular noun for one person or thing and a plural noun for two or more.
I have one sister.
У меня одна сестра.
"Sister" is singular because it refers to one person.
I have one sister.
У меня одна сестра.
"Sister" is singular because it refers to one person.
I have two sisters.
У меня две сестры.
"Sisters" is the plural form because it refers to more than one person.
I have two sisters.
У меня две сестры.
"Sisters" is the plural form because it refers to more than one person.
There is a car outside.
Снаружи стоит машина.
"Car" is singular because there is one vehicle.
There is a car outside.
Снаружи стоит машина.
"Car" is singular because there is one vehicle.
There are three cars outside.
Снаружи стоят три машины.
"Cars" is the plural form of "car".
There are three cars outside.
Снаружи стоят три машины.
"Cars" is the plural form of "car".
She bought a new computer.
Она купила новый компьютер.
"Computer" is singular and takes the indefinite article "a".
She bought a new computer.
Она купила новый компьютер.
"Computer" is singular and takes the indefinite article "a".
The company uses hundreds of computers.
Компания использует сотни компьютеров.
"Computers" is plural because the noun refers to many individual machines.
The company uses hundreds of computers.
Компания использует сотни компьютеров.
"Computers" is plural because the noun refers to many individual machines.
One child was playing in the yard.
Один ребенок играл во дворе.
"Child" is singular.
One child was playing in the yard.
Один ребенок играл во дворе.
"Child" is singular.
Several children were playing in the yard.
Несколько детей играли во дворе.
"Children" is the irregular plural form of "child".
Several children were playing in the yard.
Несколько детей играли во дворе.
"Children" is the irregular plural form of "child".
Most uncountable nouns do not normally have a plural form.
Nouns such as information, advice, furniture and equipment are treated as singular masses rather than individual items.
I need some information.
Мне нужна информация.
"Information" is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
I need some information.
Мне нужна информация.
"Information" is uncountable and does not normally have a plural form.
She gave me some advice.
Она дала мне совет.
"Advice" remains uncountable even when several suggestions are meant.
She gave me some advice.
Она дала мне совет.
"Advice" remains uncountable even when several suggestions are meant.
The furniture is already in the apartment.
Мебель уже в квартире.
"Furniture" is uncountable and normally has no plural form.
The furniture is already in the apartment.
Мебель уже в квартире.
"Furniture" is uncountable and normally has no plural form.
The equipment was delivered this morning.
Оборудование доставили сегодня утром.
"Equipment" is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
The equipment was delivered this morning.
Оборудование доставили сегодня утром.
"Equipment" is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
We need some luggage for the trip.
Нам нужен багаж для поездки.
"Luggage" is uncountable and is not normally pluralized.
We need some luggage for the trip.
Нам нужен багаж для поездки.
"Luggage" is uncountable and is not normally pluralized.
I have a lot of homework tonight.
Сегодня вечером у меня много домашней работы.
"Homework" is uncountable in standard English.
I have a lot of homework tonight.
Сегодня вечером у меня много домашней работы.
"Homework" is uncountable in standard English.
The news is on TV right now.
Сейчас по телевизору новости.
"News" ends in -s but is grammatically singular.
The news is on TV right now.
Сейчас по телевизору новости.
"News" ends in -s but is grammatically singular.
She bought some bread at the store.
Она купила хлеб в магазине.
"Bread" is normally uncountable when referring to the food in general.
She bought some bread at the store.
Она купила хлеб в магазине.
"Bread" is normally uncountable when referring to the food in general.
Singular countable nouns normally require a determiner.
A singular countable noun usually appears with a/an, the or another determiner such as this, my or every.
I bought a laptop yesterday.
Я купил ноутбук вчера.
"Laptop" is singular and countable, so it needs a determiner.
I bought a laptop yesterday.
Я купил ноутбук вчера.
"Laptop" is singular and countable, so it needs a determiner.
The laptop is on my desk.
Ноутбук находится на моем столе.
"The laptop" is specific because the listener can identify it.
The laptop is on my desk.
Ноутбук находится на моем столе.
"The laptop" is specific because the listener can identify it.
This laptop is very fast.
Этот ноутбук очень быстрый.
"This" is a determiner, so no article is used.
This laptop is very fast.
Этот ноутбук очень быстрый.
"This" is a determiner, so no article is used.
My laptop is five years old.
Моему ноутбуку пять лет.
"My" already determines the singular noun.
My laptop is five years old.
Моему ноутбуку пять лет.
"My" already determines the singular noun.
Every student needs a notebook.
Каждому студенту нужна тетрадь.
"Every" determines "student", while "a" introduces one notebook.
Every student needs a notebook.
Каждому студенту нужна тетрадь.
"Every" determines "student", while "a" introduces one notebook.
She opened the window.
Она открыла окно.
"The" is the determiner for a specific window.
She opened the window.
Она открыла окно.
"The" is the determiner for a specific window.
He needs an umbrella.
Ему нужен зонтик.
"An" is required before the vowel sound in "umbrella".
He needs an umbrella.
Ему нужен зонтик.
"An" is required before the vowel sound in "umbrella".
Their house has three bedrooms.
В их доме три спальни.
"Their" is a determiner, so "house" does not take an additional article.
Their house has three bedrooms.
В их доме три спальни.
"Their" is a determiner, so "house" does not take an additional article.
Uncountable nouns normally do not take a/an.
Use the zero article for general meaning or the when referring to a specific quantity or instance.
I need some water.
Мне нужна вода.
"Water" is uncountable and takes zero article for general or non-specific meaning.
I need some water.
Мне нужна вода.
"Water" is uncountable and takes zero article for general or non-specific meaning.
The water in this bottle is cold.
Вода в этой бутылке холодная.
"The water" is specific because it is identified by "in this bottle".
The water in this bottle is cold.
Вода в этой бутылке холодная.
"The water" is specific because it is identified by "in this bottle".
We need some information about the course.
Нам нужна информация о курсе.
"Information" is uncountable and does not take "a" or "an".
We need some information about the course.
Нам нужна информация о курсе.
"Information" is uncountable and does not take "a" or "an".
The information in your email was useful.
Информация в твоем письме была полезной.
"The information" is specific because the following phrase identifies it.
The information in your email was useful.
Информация в твоем письме была полезной.
"The information" is specific because the following phrase identifies it.
She bought some furniture for the living room.
Она купила мебель для гостиной.
"Furniture" is uncountable, so zero article is used after "some".
She bought some furniture for the living room.
Она купила мебель для гостиной.
"Furniture" is uncountable, so zero article is used after "some".
The furniture in the office is very old.
Мебель в офисе очень старая.
"The furniture" refers to a specific set of furniture.
The furniture in the office is very old.
Мебель в офисе очень старая.
"The furniture" refers to a specific set of furniture.
Coffee is popular in the United States.
Кофе популярен в Соединенных Штатах.
"Coffee" is general and uncountable here.
Coffee is popular in the United States.
Кофе популярен в Соединенных Штатах.
"Coffee" is general and uncountable here.
The coffee on the table is mine.
Кофе на столе — мой.
"The coffee" is specific because of the phrase "on the table".
The coffee on the table is mine.
Кофе на столе — мой.
"The coffee" is specific because of the phrase "on the table".
Some quantifiers are used only with countable nouns.
Examples include many, few, a few, several, both and numerous.
There are many students in the library.
В библиотеке много студентов.
"Many" is used with plural countable nouns.
There are many students in the library.
В библиотеке много студентов.
"Many" is used with plural countable nouns.
Few people attended the meeting.
На собрание пришло мало людей.
"Few" is used with plural countable nouns and emphasizes a small number.
Few people attended the meeting.
На собрание пришло мало людей.
"Few" is used with plural countable nouns and emphasizes a small number.
A few friends are coming over tonight.
Сегодня вечером придут несколько друзей.
"A few" means a small but positive number and is used with plural countable nouns.
A few friends are coming over tonight.
Сегодня вечером придут несколько друзей.
"A few" means a small but positive number and is used with plural countable nouns.
Several students asked questions.
Несколько студентов задали вопросы.
"Several" is used with plural countable nouns.
Several students asked questions.
Несколько студентов задали вопросы.
"Several" is used with plural countable nouns.
Both cars are electric.
Обе машины электрические.
"Both" is used with two plural countable nouns.
Both cars are electric.
Обе машины электрические.
"Both" is used with two plural countable nouns.
Numerous companies use this software.
Многочисленные компании используют это программное обеспечение.
"Numerous" modifies plural countable nouns.
Numerous companies use this software.
Многочисленные компании используют это программное обеспечение.
"Numerous" modifies plural countable nouns.
Few houses on this street have garages.
У немногих домов на этой улице есть гаражи.
"Few" modifies the plural countable noun "houses".
Few houses on this street have garages.
У немногих домов на этой улице есть гаражи.
"Few" modifies the plural countable noun "houses".
Several employees submitted their reports early.
Несколько сотрудников сдали свои отчеты заранее.
"Several" means more than two but not many and takes a plural countable noun.
Several employees submitted their reports early.
Несколько сотрудников сдали свои отчеты заранее.
"Several" means more than two but not many and takes a plural countable noun.
Some quantifiers are used only with uncountable nouns.
Examples include much, little, a little and a great deal of.
There is not much time left.
Осталось не так много времени.
"Much" is used with uncountable nouns.
There is not much time left.
Осталось не так много времени.
"Much" is used with uncountable nouns.
We have little information about the problem.
У нас мало информации о проблеме.
"Little" is used with the uncountable noun "information".
We have little information about the problem.
У нас мало информации о проблеме.
"Little" is used with the uncountable noun "information".
I still have a little money left.
У меня еще осталось немного денег.
"A little" means a small amount and is used with uncountable nouns.
I still have a little money left.
У меня еще осталось немного денег.
"A little" means a small amount and is used with uncountable nouns.
We do not have much water.
У нас не так много воды.
"Much" modifies the uncountable noun "water".
We do not have much water.
У нас не так много воды.
"Much" modifies the uncountable noun "water".
There is little hope of finding the missing file.
Надежды найти пропавший файл мало.
"Little hope" means almost no hope.
There is little hope of finding the missing file.
Надежды найти пропавший файл мало.
"Little hope" means almost no hope.
We still have a little time before the meeting.
У нас еще есть немного времени до собрания.
"A little time" means some time remains.
We still have a little time before the meeting.
У нас еще есть немного времени до собрания.
"A little time" means some time remains.
They spent a great deal of money on the project.
Они потратили много денег на проект.
"A great deal of" is used with uncountable nouns.
They spent a great deal of money on the project.
Они потратили много денег на проект.
"A great deal of" is used with uncountable nouns.
The company has a great deal of experience in this field.
У компании большой опыт в этой области.
"A great deal of" modifies the uncountable noun "experience".
The company has a great deal of experience in this field.
У компании большой опыт в этой области.
"A great deal of" modifies the uncountable noun "experience".
Some quantifiers can modify both countable and uncountable nouns.
Examples include some, any, enough, plenty of, a lot of, lots of, all and no.
I bought some apples.
Я купил несколько яблок.
"Some" can modify plural countable nouns.
I bought some apples.
Я купил несколько яблок.
"Some" can modify plural countable nouns.
I bought some coffee.
Я купил немного кофе.
"Some" can also modify uncountable nouns.
I bought some coffee.
Я купил немного кофе.
"Some" can also modify uncountable nouns.
Do you have any questions?
У тебя есть какие-нибудь вопросы?
"Any" can be used with plural countable nouns.
Do you have any questions?
У тебя есть какие-нибудь вопросы?
"Any" can be used with plural countable nouns.
Do you have any money?
У тебя есть деньги?
"Any" can also modify an uncountable noun.
Do you have any money?
У тебя есть деньги?
"Any" can also modify an uncountable noun.
We have enough chairs for everyone.
У нас достаточно стульев для всех.
"Enough" can modify plural countable nouns.
We have enough chairs for everyone.
У нас достаточно стульев для всех.
"Enough" can modify plural countable nouns.
We have enough food for everyone.
У нас достаточно еды для всех.
"Enough" can also modify uncountable nouns.
We have enough food for everyone.
У нас достаточно еды для всех.
"Enough" can also modify uncountable nouns.
There is plenty of time.
Времени более чем достаточно.
"Plenty of" can modify uncountable nouns.
There is plenty of time.
Времени более чем достаточно.
"Plenty of" can modify uncountable nouns.
There are plenty of seats available.
Свободных мест более чем достаточно.
"Plenty of" can also modify plural countable nouns.
There are plenty of seats available.
Свободных мест более чем достаточно.
"Plenty of" can also modify plural countable nouns.
Use units of measurement or containers to count uncountable nouns.
Examples include a piece of advice, a loaf of bread, a cup of coffee, a bottle of water and a bit of information.
I need a piece of advice.
Мне нужен один совет.
"A piece of advice" is used because "advice" is uncountable.
I need a piece of advice.
Мне нужен один совет.
"A piece of advice" is used because "advice" is uncountable.
She gave me a piece of information.
Она сообщила мне одну информацию.
"A piece of information" is a countable way to refer to one item of information.
She gave me a piece of information.
Она сообщила мне одну информацию.
"A piece of information" is a countable way to refer to one item of information.
We bought a loaf of bread.
Мы купили буханку хлеба.
"A loaf of bread" is a unit used to count bread.
We bought a loaf of bread.
Мы купили буханку хлеба.
"A loaf of bread" is a unit used to count bread.
He ordered a cup of coffee.
Он заказал чашку кофе.
"A cup of coffee" counts one serving of the uncountable noun "coffee".
He ordered a cup of coffee.
Он заказал чашку кофе.
"A cup of coffee" counts one serving of the uncountable noun "coffee".
She drank a bottle of water after the run.
Она выпила бутылку воды после пробежки.
"A bottle of water" counts water by container.
She drank a bottle of water after the run.
Она выпила бутылку воды после пробежки.
"A bottle of water" counts water by container.
Can I have a bit of information about the schedule?
Можно немного информации о расписании?
"A bit of information" measures a small amount of uncountable information.
Can I have a bit of information about the schedule?
Можно немного информации о расписании?
"A bit of information" measures a small amount of uncountable information.
We need two pieces of furniture for the office.
Нам нужны два предмета мебели для офиса.
"Two pieces of furniture" counts individual items without pluralizing "furniture".
We need two pieces of furniture for the office.
Нам нужны два предмета мебели для офиса.
"Two pieces of furniture" counts individual items without pluralizing "furniture".
The recipe calls for two cups of flour and three tablespoons of sugar.
По рецепту нужны две чашки муки и три столовые ложки сахара.
Units such as "cups" and "tablespoons" make uncountable substances measurable.
The recipe calls for two cups of flour and three tablespoons of sugar.
По рецепту нужны две чашки муки и три столовые ложки сахара.
Units such as "cups" and "tablespoons" make uncountable substances measurable.
Some nouns may be countable or uncountable depending on their meaning.
Examples include chicken, paper, glass, coffee, experience, room and time.
We had chicken for dinner.
Мы ели курицу на ужин.
"Chicken" is uncountable when referring to the food.
We had chicken for dinner.
Мы ели курицу на ужин.
"Chicken" is uncountable when referring to the food.
There are three chickens in the yard.
Во дворе три курицы.
"Chickens" is countable when referring to individual birds.
There are three chickens in the yard.
Во дворе три курицы.
"Chickens" is countable when referring to individual birds.
I need some paper for the printer.
Мне нужна бумага для принтера.
"Paper" is uncountable when referring to the material.
I need some paper for the printer.
Мне нужна бумага для принтера.
"Paper" is uncountable when referring to the material.
I signed three papers at the office.
Я подписал три документа в офисе.
"Papers" can mean individual documents and is countable in this meaning.
I signed three papers at the office.
Я подписал три документа в офисе.
"Papers" can mean individual documents and is countable in this meaning.
There is a lot of glass in the building.
В здании много стекла.
"Glass" is uncountable when referring to the material.
There is a lot of glass in the building.
В здании много стекла.
"Glass" is uncountable when referring to the material.
Can I have two glasses of water?
Можно мне два стакана воды?
"Glasses" is countable when referring to containers.
Can I have two glasses of water?
Можно мне два стакана воды?
"Glasses" is countable when referring to containers.
She has a lot of experience in marketing.
У нее большой опыт в маркетинге.
"Experience" is uncountable when referring to knowledge or skill gained over time.
She has a lot of experience in marketing.
У нее большой опыт в маркетинге.
"Experience" is uncountable when referring to knowledge or skill gained over time.
She had several interesting experiences while living abroad.
Во время жизни за границей она пережила несколько интересных событий.
"Experiences" is countable when referring to individual events or episodes.
She had several interesting experiences while living abroad.
Во время жизни за границей она пережила несколько интересных событий.
"Experiences" is countable when referring to individual events or episodes.
Most abstract nouns are uncountable, but some have countable uses.
Examples include happiness, knowledge and honesty, while ideas such as hope or experience may sometimes be countable.
Happiness is important in life.
Счастье важно в жизни.
"Happiness" is normally an uncountable abstract noun.
Happiness is important in life.
Счастье важно в жизни.
"Happiness" is normally an uncountable abstract noun.
Knowledge takes time to develop.
Знания требуют времени для развития.
"Knowledge" is normally uncountable.
Knowledge takes time to develop.
Знания требуют времени для развития.
"Knowledge" is normally uncountable.
Honesty is important in a good relationship.
Честность важна в хороших отношениях.
"Honesty" is an uncountable abstract noun.
Honesty is important in a good relationship.
Честность важна в хороших отношениях.
"Honesty" is an uncountable abstract noun.
We still have hope.
У нас все еще есть надежда.
"Hope" can be uncountable when it refers to a general feeling or possibility.
We still have hope.
У нас все еще есть надежда.
"Hope" can be uncountable when it refers to a general feeling or possibility.
He gave me a hope that things would improve.
Он дал мне надежду, что все улучшится.
"A hope" can be countable when it means one particular expectation.
He gave me a hope that things would improve.
Он дал мне надежду, что все улучшится.
"A hope" can be countable when it means one particular expectation.
She has a lot of experience in teaching.
У нее большой опыт преподавания.
"Experience" is uncountable when it refers to accumulated knowledge or skill.
She has a lot of experience in teaching.
У нее большой опыт преподавания.
"Experience" is uncountable when it refers to accumulated knowledge or skill.
We had several interesting experiences during the trip.
Во время поездки у нас было несколько интересных впечатлений.
"Experiences" refers to individual events and is therefore countable.
We had several interesting experiences during the trip.
Во время поездки у нас было несколько интересных впечатлений.
"Experiences" refers to individual events and is therefore countable.
The students shared their hopes for the future.
Студенты поделились своими надеждами на будущее.
"Hopes" is countable because each hope is treated as an individual expectation.
The students shared their hopes for the future.
Студенты поделились своими надеждами на будущее.
"Hopes" is countable because each hope is treated as an individual expectation.
Names of materials are generally uncountable.
Examples include wood, gold, plastic, steel and cotton. They become countable when referring to different kinds or individual items made from the material.
The table is made of wood.
Стол сделан из дерева.
"Wood" is uncountable when referring to the material.
The table is made of wood.
Стол сделан из дерева.
"Wood" is uncountable when referring to the material.
Gold is very valuable.
Золото очень ценно.
"Gold" is uncountable when referring to the material.
Gold is very valuable.
Золото очень ценно.
"Gold" is uncountable when referring to the material.
The bottle is made of plastic.
Бутылка сделана из пластика.
"Plastic" is normally uncountable as a material.
The bottle is made of plastic.
Бутылка сделана из пластика.
"Plastic" is normally uncountable as a material.
The bridge is built from steel.
Мост построен из стали.
"Steel" is an uncountable material noun.
The bridge is built from steel.
Мост построен из стали.
"Steel" is an uncountable material noun.
This shirt is made of cotton.
Эта рубашка сделана из хлопка.
"Cotton" is uncountable when referring to the material.
This shirt is made of cotton.
Эта рубашка сделана из хлопка.
"Cotton" is uncountable when referring to the material.
The store sells different woods for furniture making.
Магазин продает разные виды древесины для изготовления мебели.
"Woods" can be countable when referring to different kinds of wood.
The store sells different woods for furniture making.
Магазин продает разные виды древесины для изготовления мебели.
"Woods" can be countable when referring to different kinds of wood.
The museum displayed several ancient works in gold.
В музее выставили несколько древних изделий из золота.
"Gold" remains a material noun even when it describes individual objects.
The museum displayed several ancient works in gold.
В музее выставили несколько древних изделий из золота.
"Gold" remains a material noun even when it describes individual objects.
The architect chose steel because it is strong and durable.
Архитектор выбрал сталь, потому что она прочная и долговечная.
"Steel" is used as an uncountable material noun.
The architect chose steel because it is strong and durable.
Архитектор выбрал сталь, потому что она прочная и долговечная.
"Steel" is used as an uncountable material noun.
Many food and drink nouns may be either countable or uncountable.
Coffee, tea, beer and cake are uncountable when referring to the substance, but countable when referring to servings or individual items.
I drink coffee every morning.
Я пью кофе каждое утро.
"Coffee" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
I drink coffee every morning.
Я пью кофе каждое утро.
"Coffee" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
We ordered two coffees.
Мы заказали два кофе.
"Coffees" is countable when referring to two servings or cups of coffee.
We ordered two coffees.
Мы заказали два кофе.
"Coffees" is countable when referring to two servings or cups of coffee.
Tea is popular in many countries.
Чай популярен во многих странах.
"Tea" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
Tea is popular in many countries.
Чай популярен во многих странах.
"Tea" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
We ordered three teas for the table.
Мы заказали три чая для стола.
"Teas" can refer to individual servings.
We ordered three teas for the table.
Мы заказали три чая для стола.
"Teas" can refer to individual servings.
He bought a cake for the birthday party.
Он купил торт для дня рождения.
"A cake" refers to one individual item and is countable.
He bought a cake for the birthday party.
Он купил торт для дня рождения.
"A cake" refers to one individual item and is countable.
We had some cake after dinner.
Мы поели немного торта после ужина.
"Cake" is uncountable when referring to the food as a substance or portion.
We had some cake after dinner.
Мы поели немного торта после ужина.
"Cake" is uncountable when referring to the food as a substance or portion.
He does not drink beer.
Он не пьет пиво.
"Beer" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
He does not drink beer.
Он не пьет пиво.
"Beer" is uncountable when referring to the drink generally.
We ordered three beers at the restaurant.
Мы заказали три пива в ресторане.
"Beers" refers to three servings of beer.
We ordered three beers at the restaurant.
Мы заказали три пива в ресторане.
"Beers" refers to three servings of beer.
Countable and uncountable nouns affect subject-verb agreement.
Singular countable nouns and uncountable nouns normally take singular verbs, while plural countable nouns take plural verbs.
The student works every evening.
Студент работает каждый вечер.
"Student" is singular countable, so it takes the singular verb "works".
The student works every evening.
Студент работает каждый вечер.
"Student" is singular countable, so it takes the singular verb "works".
The students work every evening.
Студенты работают каждый вечер.
"Students" is plural countable, so it takes the plural verb "work".
The students work every evening.
Студенты работают каждый вечер.
"Students" is plural countable, so it takes the plural verb "work".
The information is correct.
Информация верна.
"Information" is uncountable and normally takes a singular verb.
The information is correct.
Информация верна.
"Information" is uncountable and normally takes a singular verb.
The furniture is very expensive.
Мебель очень дорогая.
"Furniture" is uncountable and takes the singular verb "is".
The furniture is very expensive.
Мебель очень дорогая.
"Furniture" is uncountable and takes the singular verb "is".
The cars are outside.
Машины снаружи.
"Cars" is plural countable, so "are" is used.
The cars are outside.
Машины снаружи.
"Cars" is plural countable, so "are" is used.
The equipment needs to be replaced.
Оборудование нужно заменить.
"Equipment" is uncountable and therefore takes a singular verb.
The equipment needs to be replaced.
Оборудование нужно заменить.
"Equipment" is uncountable and therefore takes a singular verb.
The advice was very helpful.
Совет был очень полезным.
"Advice" is uncountable and takes the singular verb "was".
The advice was very helpful.
Совет был очень полезным.
"Advice" is uncountable and takes the singular verb "was".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
"Children" is an irregular plural countable noun, so it takes "are".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
"Children" is an irregular plural countable noun, so it takes "are".
Do not treat inherently uncountable nouns as countable.
Common errors include informations, advices, furnitures, equipments, homeworks and luggages. These nouns remain uncountable in standard English.
I need some information.
Мне нужна информация.
Do not say "informations"; "information" is uncountable in standard English.
I need some information.
Мне нужна информация.
Do not say "informations"; "information" is uncountable in standard English.
She gave me some advice.
Она дала мне совет.
Do not say "advices"; use "advice" as an uncountable noun.
She gave me some advice.
Она дала мне совет.
Do not say "advices"; use "advice" as an uncountable noun.
We bought some new furniture.
Мы купили новую мебель.
Do not say "furnitures"; "furniture" is uncountable.
We bought some new furniture.
Мы купили новую мебель.
Do not say "furnitures"; "furniture" is uncountable.
The equipment is ready.
Оборудование готово.
Do not say "equipments"; "equipment" is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
The equipment is ready.
Оборудование готово.
Do not say "equipments"; "equipment" is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
I have a lot of homework tonight.
Сегодня вечером у меня много домашней работы.
Do not normally say "homeworks"; "homework" is uncountable.
I have a lot of homework tonight.
Сегодня вечером у меня много домашней работы.
Do not normally say "homeworks"; "homework" is uncountable.
How much luggage do you have?
Сколько у тебя багажа?
Do not say "luggages"; use the uncountable noun "luggage".
How much luggage do you have?
Сколько у тебя багажа?
Do not say "luggages"; use the uncountable noun "luggage".
The news is surprising.
Новости удивительны.
Do not treat "news" as a plural noun; it normally takes a singular verb.
The news is surprising.
Новости удивительны.
Do not treat "news" as a plural noun; it normally takes a singular verb.
She gave me two pieces of advice.
Она дала мне два совета.
Use "pieces of advice" when individual suggestions need to be counted.
She gave me two pieces of advice.
Она дала мне два совета.
Use "pieces of advice" when individual suggestions need to be counted.