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ブログ / Much or Many? Less or Fewer? 17 Real Countable Noun Mistakes
Much or Many? Less or Fewer? 17 Real Countable Noun Mistakes
English divides nouns into those you can count (one book, two books) and those you cannot (information, advice, water). Uncountable nouns have no plural, cannot take a or an, and use much and less instead of many and fewer. Many of these nouns are countable in other languages, which is why the errors are so common. The examples below are real sentences that people sent to Proofread Bot.
The corrections below are written in formal, academic English.
1. Plural forms of uncountable nouns
✓ We have received no information about the accident.
✓ All the equipment in the factory is new.
✓ I have two pieces of luggage.
✓ He asked me to pack my luggage.
✓ Chris has a thirst for knowledge.
✓ I was late for work because there was heavy traffic.
✓ The scenery here is not good.
✓ My hair is long.
To count an uncountable noun, use a unit word: "two pieces of luggage," "a piece of advice," "an item of equipment."
2. "A" or "an" with an uncountable noun
✓ I have some news for you.
✓ Would you like some help?
✓ Please give me some water.
✓ Please give me some ice.
Use some, or a unit: "a glass of water," "an ice cube," "a piece of news."
3. Plural verbs and determiners
Uncountable nouns take a singular verb and singular determiners (this, not these).
✓ I heard this news in the morning.
✓ This cheese is delicious.
✓ Look how much rain is falling outside!
News ends in -s but is singular: "The news is good."
4. Much or many?
Many is for countable nouns (many books); much is for uncountable nouns (much time).
✓ I ate too much food this morning.
In positive statements, "much" can sound stiff ("I have much work"). In formal writing, "a great deal of" is a good alternative; in informal writing, "a lot of" works for both types.
5. Less or fewer?
Fewer is for things you can count (fewer students); less is for amounts you cannot count (less time). In everyday English, "less" is often used for both, but academic and professional writing keeps the distinction.
✓ The College Board estimates that 19 percent fewer students are paying for test preparation.
Common uncountable nouns
- advice, information, knowledge, research, evidence
- equipment, furniture, luggage, baggage
- news, traffic, scenery, weather
- money, bread, water, rice, hair (on the head)
Research and evidence deserve special attention in academic writing: write "much research," "a study," or "a piece of evidence," never "researches" or "evidences" for the noun. Proofread Bot flags uncountable nouns used as countable ones and suggests the correct form. See also irregular plural mistakes.