Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns refer to things English treats as masses, wholes, or non-separate items. They are not ordinarily combined with a/an or direct numbers in their uncountable sense, and countability can change with meaning.
Uncountable nouns are treated as non-separate quantities in a given sense, so they normally do not take a/an or direct number counting in that use.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Countability can change with meaning and context. A noun may be uncountable in one sense and countable in another, so check the intended sense rather than memorizing a fixed word list.
Further guidance
Application
With ordinary uncountable uses, choose determiners and quantity expressions that fit mass reference—for example “some information” rather than “an information.”
Core Rule
Uncountable nouns are not ordinarily used with a/an or directly with numbers, and many lack an ordinary plural in the relevant meaning.
Practical Application
Check the noun in the intended sense, not just the dictionary headword. Uncountable uses normally avoid a/an and direct number counting; use a measure, item noun, or a countable sense when needed.
Reader Check
Are you treating the noun as a mass/non-separate quantity in this sentence, or has the meaning shifted to a countable item or type?
Worked Example
Example: write “some information” rather than “an information”; if separate items are meant, write “three pieces of information.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Nouns: countable and uncountable — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct grammar-reference evidence on uncountable nouns, determiner limits, plural behavior, and common examples.