She has beautiful 

skin

. 

 
Dr. Moulton is an expert in ancient 
Greek 

sculpture

. 

 
We use only recycled 

paper

 in our 

office. 

 
The hull of a kayak is made of 
animal 

skins

. 

 
We have several 

sculptures

 in our 

home. 
 
 
Where are those important 

papers

? 

Using Articles with Countable and Uncountable Nouns 

A countable noun always takes either the indefinite (

a

, 

an

) or definite (

the

) article 

when it is singular. When plural, it takes the definite article if it refers to a definite, 
specific group and no article if it is used in a general sense. 

The guest

 of honor arrived late. 

You are welcome as 

a guest

 in our home. 

The guests

 at your party yesterday made a lot of noise. 

Guests

 are welcome here anytime. 

Uncountable nouns never take the indefinite article (

a

 or 

an

), but they do take singular 

verbs. 

The

 is sometimes used with uncountable nouns in the same way it is used with 

plural countable nouns, that is, to refer to a specific object, group, or idea. 

Information

 is a precious commodity in our computerized world. 

The information

 in your files is correct. 

Sugar

 has become more expensive recently. 

Please pass me 

the sugar

. 

Categories of Uncountable Nouns 

Abstract

Material

Generic

Non-Plurals with 
- s

advice 
help 
information 
knowledge 
trouble 
work 
enjoyment 
fun 
recreation 
relaxation 

meat 
rice 
bread 
cake 
coffee 
ice cream 
water 
oil 
grass 
hair 

fruit 
wildlife 
equipment 
machinery 
furniture 
mail 
luggage 
jewelry 
clothing 
money 

mathematics 
economics 
physics 
civics 
ethics 
mumps 
measles 
news 
tennis 
(other games)