Question

Identify the countable noun from the words below:
a) sugar
b) water
c) honey
d) coin

Answer 1

Hint: The easiest way to identify a countable noun is to try to understand if we can count it in quantitative terms, such as one, two, three, etc. Uncountable nouns cannot be counted that way.

Complete answer:
A noun that can be counted in cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3...) is called a countable noun. These nouns can be easily counted in these quantitative terms. Some examples of countable nouns are pages, books, keys, etc. All these objects can be counted cardinally. For example, one page, two books, three keys, etc.

Uncountable nouns are for the things that we cannot count with numbers. They may be the names for abstract ideas or qualities or for physical objects that are too small or too amorphous to be counted (liquids, powders, gases, etc.). None of these objects can be counted cardinally. For example, we cannot say one air or two oxygens.

Now, we know what countable and uncountable nouns are. Let’s look at our given options:

a) sugar - ‘Sugar’ is a noun that is tangible. However, when we take sugar in our tea, we do not ask for one or two sugar crystals. We cannot count sugar crystals cardinally. This is not the required answer. So, it is an incorrect option.
b) water - ‘Water’ is also a tangible noun. However, it cannot be counted, as it is a liquid, and as one cannot ask for one or two waters. It cannot be counted cardinally. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) honey - ‘Honey’ is a noun that is tangible. However, it is a liquid, and cannot be counted cardinally. It can only be weighed and measured. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) coin - This is a noun that is easily tangible. ‘Coins’ can be easily counted, as they are individual objects that are counted in cardinal terms. This is the required answer.So, the correct answer is “Option d”.

Note: It is necessary to note that countable nouns are nouns that are easily counted. A noun is only considered countable if you can count all of it. Go through the options one by one and find the countable noun.