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English Lesson #19 - English Mass Nouns

Wed, 2009-09-02 16:50 — Guest Student

 

A non- countable noun or a mass noun is a noun which does not have a plural form, and which refers to something that you could (or would) not usually count.

A non-countable noun always takes a singular verb in a sentence. Non-countable nouns are similar to collective nouns, and are the opposite of countable nouns.

 

 
The highlighted words in the following sentences are non-countable nouns:
  • Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen.
The word "oxygen" cannot normally be made plural.
  • Oxygen is essential to human life.
Since "oxygen" is a non-countable noun, it takes the singular verb "is" rather than the plural verb "are."
  • We decided to sell the furniture rather than take it with use when we moved.
You cannot make the noun "furniture" plural.
  • The furniture is heaped in the middle of the room.
Since "furniture" is a non-countable noun, it takes a singular verb, "is heaped."
  • The crew spread the gravel over the roadbed.
You cannot make the non-countable noun "gravel" plural.
  • Gravel is more expensive than I thought.
Since "gravel" is a non-countable noun, it takes the singular verb form "is."

 

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