A1 · Lesson 9 · 20 min
Plural and uncountable nouns
In this lesson
- I can make regular and common irregular plural nouns.
- I can talk about food with uncountable nouns and containers.
Grammar in context
Maya is shopping for a picnic with her brother. They need apples, sandwiches and bottles of water. At the shop, Maya also buys a bag of rice and two cartons of milk.
Which food words have -s, and which food words need a container?
Regular plurals
Use a singular noun for one thing and a plural noun for two or more. Usually, add -s: one book, two books. Add -es in bus → buses, dish → dishes and box → boxes. Do not put a or an before a plural noun.
- There are three bags on the table.
- My sister has two watches.
Some common irregular plurals
A few common nouns do not take -s in the usual way. Learn their plural forms: man becomes men, woman becomes women, child becomes children, person becomes people and tooth becomes teeth. Use are with plural nouns: The children are outside.
- Two men are waiting for the train.
- The children have new shoes.
Uncountable food and containers
We do not usually count food words such as rice or milk directly. Say some rice or some milk. To count them, name the amount or container: a bag of rice, two cartons of milk. Two milks can mean two servings when you order drinks.
- We need some cheese for dinner.
- Can I have a glass of water?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I buy three breads.
Use
I buy three loaves of bread.
Bread is uncountable, so use a container or amount word.
Avoid
There are two childs in the park.
Use
There are two children in the park.
Children is the irregular plural form of child.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.