Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS): Grammar Toolkit/Nouns

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TOOLKIT CONTENTS

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Sentence basics

1. Is this a sentence? The basic structure of an English sentence

2. Should I start a new sentence? Common errors with sentence structure

Verbs

1. Is the tense correct? Verb tenses and their uses in academic writing

2. Agree with or agree on-is this the right preposition? Verbs followed by prepositions

Nouns

1. How many are there? Singular, plural and uncountable nouns

2. A/an, the or no article? Choosing the right article

Punctuation

Using punctuation marks

Academic Style

1. Not using I: Passive and active voice in academic writing

2. Expressing opinions: Tentativeness and certainty

Proof Reading for Grammar Activity

Glossary

If you prefer to consult the Proof Reading for Grammar Guide in a printable format, use the links below:

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

• Introductory explanation of Subject-Verb Agreement with examples (Purdue OWL)

• Agreement with Expressions of Quantity (University of Toronto)

How many are there? Single, plural and uncountable nouns

Nouns are words that refer to things. They can be singular or plural, countable or uncountable.

The singular is used when something cannot be counted (that is, the noun is ‘uncountable’) or there is one of something. The plural is used when there is more than one of something. Focused practice will form the habit of using the appropriate forms of the nouns in each of these cases.

Steps to structure your use of nouns

For each noun, consider:

1.The word. Is it countable or uncountable? Types of nouns that cannot be counted include liquids (e.g. water), abstract concepts (e.g. beauty) and processes (e.g. training). If unsure, a dictionary can help with this. Uncountable nouns only have a singular form.

2. The meaning. If the noun is countable, decide whether you wish to speak about one or more than one. If more, add an -s  or –es to the word. E.g. chapter becomes chapters, watch becomes watches, box becomes boxes.

3. Agreement. English sentences require an agreement between the verb (the action) and the subject noun (that is, the noun that is doing the action).

For example, if the subject noun is singular, the rule of agreement requires you to add an –s or -es to verbs in the simple present tense. E.g. argue becomes argues, touch becomes touches, stress becomes stresses. For a small number of verbs, specific forms need to be used E.g. have becomes has.

Noun checklist

To download a PDF copy of the Noun checklist, please click the link below.