Nouns that Can Be Countable and Uncountable

Some nouns in English can be both countable and uncountable, depending on the situation.

Nouns That Can Be Countable and Uncountable

• iron

(iron = material)

Iron is hard.

(iron = electrical appliance)

The iron is hot.

• glass

(glass = material)

Bottles are made of glass.

(glass = container)

I drank a glass of milk.

• time

(time = length of an activity)

How much time do you need to eat lunch?

(time = number of instances)

How many times do you go to Mexico in one year?

• paper

(paper = material)

I need some paper to draw on.

(paper = a report or essay)

I wrote a paper for our literature class.

(paper = a newspaper)

I bought a paper this morning.

• light

(light = energy form)

I opened the door to let in some light.

(light = lamps / light bulbs)

Please turn off the lights.

• work

(work = an activity)

I have some work to do tomorrow.

(work = a product)

That painting is a work of art.

• chicken

(chicken = food)

 I had some chicken for dinner.

(chicken = kind of animal)

There are three chickens in the farm.

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Nouns That Can Be Countable and Uncountable | Images