Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noun that forms plurals: A "count noun" is a type of noun that can be counted and therefore has both a singular and a plural form. It refers to distinct, separable entities.

Usage

• Count nouns can be used with numbers (e.g., , ) and quantifiers like , , .
• They are typically used with the indefinite articles or in the singular.
• They contrast with non-count nouns (or mass nouns), which cannot be counted and do not have a plural form (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Count nouns:
  • I have a dog. (singular)
  • I have two dogs. (plural)
  • She bought several apples.
  • There are many chairs in the room.

Advanced Usage

• Countability can be context-dependent: Some nouns can be used as both count and non-count nouns depending on the meaning.

  • I'd like a coffee, please. (count noun: a cup of coffee)
  • The price of coffee has risen. (non-count noun: the commodity)

• Plural-only count nouns: Some count nouns are almost always used in the plural form.

  • scissors, trousers, glasses (spectacles)
  • These scissors are sharp. (Not: a scissor)

Variants and Related Words

• Non-count noun (or mass noun): A noun that cannot be counted and does not have a plural form (e.g., , , ).
• Collective noun: A noun that refers to a group as a single unit (e.g., , , ). These can often be treated as singular or plural depending on whether the emphasis is on the group or its individual members.

Synonyms

• Countable noun: This term is synonymous with "count noun."

Related Phrases and Concepts

• To be countable: The property of being a count noun.
  • 'Cat' is a countable noun.
• Singular and plural forms: The grammatical forms associated with count nouns.
  • The singular form is 'child'; the plural form is 'children'.

Noun

1. a noun that forms plurals