Uncountable Nouns - English Grammar Lesson

This video lesson from Oxford Online English explains the differences between countable and uncountable nouns in English. It covers the rules for using uncountable nouns, including their singular verb forms and the inability to be pluralized. The lesson also discusses nouns that can be both countable and uncountable, with examples like 'paper' and 'fish'. Special cases such as collective nouns and exceptions like 'news' are highlighted. Finally, the video provides strategies for making uncountable nouns countable by using phrases like 'a piece of'.

What is a key characteristic of countable nouns?

• They cannot be plural.

• They are always abstract.

• They can be counted individually.

• They always use a singular verb.

Which of the following is an example of an uncountable noun?

• Coins

• Water

• Potatoes

• Pens

Which word is uncountable when referring to food?

• Carrots

• Potatoes

• Fruit

• Vegetables

What is the difference between 'paper' and 'a paper'?

• 'Paper' refers to a newspaper, 'a paper' refers to the material.

• Neither can be used in plural form.

• 'Paper' is the material, 'a paper' is a newspaper.

• Both mean the same thing.

How is 'hair' used differently as a countable and uncountable noun?

• Countable refers to a single strand, uncountable refers to hair in general.

• Uncountable refers to a single strand, countable refers to hair in general.

• Both are used interchangeably.

• Neither can be used in plural form.

Which of the following nouns is always plural?

• Furniture

• News

• Police

• Rice

In British English, how is the noun 'staff' typically used?

• Only in formal contexts

• As a singular noun

• Interchangeably as singular or plural

• As a plural noun

How can you make the uncountable noun 'rice' countable?

• By using 'a rice'

• By using 'a grain of rice'

• By saying 'rice pieces'

• By saying 'three rices'

What phrase can be used to make 'advice' countable?

• A piece of advice

• Advice pieces

• An advice

• Advices

Which of the following is a correct way to quantify 'coffee'?

• Coffee pieces

• Coffees

• A cup of coffee

• A coffee