COUNTABLE and UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

or COUNT and NON-COUNT nouns

for English Language Learners (ELL) – those learning to speak English as a Second Language (ESL), or English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Lesson 11 – COUNTABLE NOUNS – Beginner Rules for Articles – How to Use the

Rule 1

With singular countable nouns, use a or an the first time you refer to the noun.

After the first time, use THE.

• e.g., There is an apple on the table. Is it the apple I gave you this morning?

Rule 2

With countable nouns (singular or plural), use the when you are referring to something specific.

• e.g., I need to take the car to work tomorrow.
• e.g., Please put the cups on the table.

Rule 3

With countable nouns, use the when there is only one of something.

• e.g., The moon is beautiful tonight.

TEST YOURSELF