GRAMMAR – Worksheet 1

NOUNS
1. Countable and uncountable nouns
Countable Uncountable
Countable nouns refer to objects, beings, Uncountable nouns refer to substances,
ideas, etc., that can be counted separately and liquids, abstract ideas, and things that are
individually. seen as a whole or mass that cannot be
separated individually.
E.g., chair, book, student, ... E.g., wool, butter, water, furniture, …

Countable nouns have both singular and Most uncountable nouns are always in
plural forms. singular form and do not have a plural form.
We can use numbers with countable nouns. We can not use numbers with uncountable
So we can say one student, two students etc. nouns. We cannot say ‘one rice’, ‘two rices’
etc.

2. Singular and Plural nouns

Singular Plural
Singular nouns are nouns that refer to one Plural nouns are used when referring to
person, place, thing, or idea. more than one person or thing in English,
They are used to talk about individual items and there are rules for pluralizing nouns.
rather than groups or collections.
Example: a book, a cat, a city, an idea,… Example: books, cast, cities, ideas,…

2.1. A/An before nouns

In English, singular nouns can be modified by both definite and indefinite articles and the choice
between the indefinite articles "a" or "an" depends on their initial sound. (The choice of "a" or
"an" depends on pronunciation, not the letter the word starts with.)
a. Use of "a":
• "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound (not necessarily a consonant
letter).
E.g., a book (b is a consonant sound), a university (since the initial sound of "university" is
/juː/, which is a consonant sound → we use "a" before it.
b. Use of "an":
• "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
E.g., an apple (a is a vowel sound), an hour (the "h" is silent, so the word starts with the vowel
sound "our")

2.2. Forming plural nouns

The most basic rule is to add "-s" to the end of a singular noun. However, some nouns require
spelling changes or have irregular plural forms.
The plural of noun is usually created by adding “-s” to the singular form:

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 singular (= one) → plural (= two or more)
a flower → some flowers
a week → two weeks
a nice place → many nice places
this shop → these shops
-s- / -sh / -ch / -x → -es bus → buses dish → dishes
church → churches box → boxes
also: potato → potatoes tomato → tomatoes
-y → -ies baby → babies dictionary → dictionaries
party → parties monkey → monkeys
but -ay / -ey / -oy → -ys day → days boy → boys
knife → knives
-f / -fe → -ves shelf → shelves
wife → wives

* Irregular Plural Forms

Singular Plural Singular Plural
mouse mice fish Fish
man men tooth teeth
person people woman women
child children goose geese
sheep Sheep ox oxen
foot feet deer deer

3. EXPRESSION OF QUANTITY
In English, we use various expressions to describe the quantity or amount of something. These
expressions vary depending on whether the noun is countable or uncountable. Below are some
common expressions of quantity:
3.1. Some
• Some is commonly used in affirmative sentences, before plural countable nouns or
uncountable nouns.
E.g., My mother bought some eggs./ There’s some milk in the fridge.
• Some is also used in questions when the speaker expects or hopes for a “Yes” answer.
E.g., Did you buy some oranges? → (The speaker thinks the listener probably did.)
• Some can also appear in offers, invitations, or polite requests.
E.g., Would you like some more coffee?/ Can I have some sugar, please?
3.2. Any
• Any is often used in negative sentences and questions, before plural countable nouns or
uncountable nouns.
E.g., Have you got any butter? → Sorry, I haven’t got any butter.
• "Any" can also mean “any kind/amount/one” in affirmative sentences, often used before
singular countable, plural, or uncountable nouns — especially after negative expressions
(e.g., never, hardly, without, etc.).
E.g., You can catch any bus. They all go to the center.

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• Words like something, anything, someone, anyone, somebody, anybody, somewhere,
anywhere follow similar rules to some and any:
E.g., There’s somebody at the front door./ Is there anybody here?
Would you like something to drink?/ I’m not thirsty. I don’t want anything to drink.
Let’s go somewhere for dinner./ Is there anywhere we can go?
3.3. Much, many, a lot of, lots of, a great deal of, a large number of, ...
Much, many, a lot of, lots of, ... are quantifiers used to express large amounts of people, things,
or actions.
With countable plural nouns For uncountable nouns
many much
a large number of a large amount of
a great number of a great deal of
plenty of plenty of
a lot of a lot of
lots of lots of
Examples: Examples:
• There are so many people here that I feel • I haven’t got much time for reading.
tired. • There are plenty of eggs in the fridge.
• George has lots of friends in New York.

3.4. Few, a few, little, a little

Few/A few Little/A little
Few and a few are used before countable Little and a little are used before uncountable
plural nouns. nouns.

• Few, little (few, not many) usually imply a small amount or quantity, often with a negative
sense (indicating something insufficient or disappointing).
E.g., He isn’t popular. He has few friends. [few friends = not many friends]
Hurry up! There is little time. [little time = not much time, not enough time]
• A few, a little (a small amount, a small number) usually have a positive connotation,
meaning some or a small quantity (close to "some").
E.g., I enjoy my life here. I have a few friends and we meet quite often.
[a few friends = some friends, a small number of friends]
Let’s go and have a drink. We’ve got a little time before the train leaves.
[a little time = some time, a small amount of time]
3.5. All, most, some, no, all of, most of, some of, none of.
a. All, most, some, no are used before a noun that can be counted or an uncountable noun.
E.g., All children are fond of candy. (All children like candy.)
Most cheese is made from cow's milk. (Most cheese is made from cow’s milk.)
Some food makes me ill. (Some food makes me sick.)
There are no rooms available. (There are no rooms available.)
b. All of, most of, some of, none of are used before a definite article (a, an, the, my, his, this,...)
or pronouns.
E.g., Have all (of) the plants died? - No, not all of them. (Have all the plants died? - No, not all
of them.)
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3.6. Every, each
We use the quantifiers every and each with singular nouns to mean all:
E.g., There was a party in every street. (= There were parties in all the streets.)
Every shop was decorated with flowers. (= All the shops were decorated with flowers.)
We do not use a determiner with every and each:
▪ Every shop was decorated with flowers. (NOT The every shop)
▪ Each child was given a prize. (NOT The each child)

4. Subject-Verb Agreement
Verbs always agree with the subject noun in a sentence:
General rule:
▪ A singular noun or an uncountable noun takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes
a plural verb.
▪ However, sometimes the verb agrees with the subject according to the intended meaning or
according to the noun/pronoun preceding it, following specific rules.

Rules Examples
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs She reads a book.
2. Plural subjects take plural verbs They read books.
3. "I" and "you" take the plural form of the I like pizza. / You like pizza.
verb
4. When two nouns are joined by "and", the My sister and I like listening to classical
verb is plural. music.
Exceptions: use a singular verb in the
following cases:
• When the two nouns refer to one person, The professor and the secretary are on
one item, or one dish: business. (Two different people)
• Additions in math use a singular verb: Two and three is five.
5. After "Each," "Every," "Many a..." → use Each/Every person is allowed 20kg of
singular verb. luggage.
Many a politician has promised to make
changes.
6. After "To infinitive" or "V-ing", use a To jog / Jogging every day is good for your
singular verb. health.
7. Noun clauses take a singular verb. What you have said is not true.
That trees lose their leaves is a sign of winter.
8. Titles of books, movies, etc. → singular "Tom and Jerry" is my son's favorite cartoon.
verb
9. Nouns ending in "s" but used with singular Subjects like:
verb: Academic subjects: Physics, Mathematics,…
Sports: Athletics, Billiards, Checkers, …
Diseases: Measles, Mumps, Diabetes, …
Units of measure: Two pounds is...,

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 Countries and cities: The United States, the
Philippines, Wales, Marseilles,…
10. Nouns without “s” but always plural People, police, cattle, army, children,..
11. The + adjective = plural noun, use plural The blind are the people who can't see
verb anything.
13. "A number of" vs. "The number of"
• A number of + plural noun + plural verb A number of students are going to the picnic.
• The number of + plural noun + singular The number of days in a week is seven.
verb
14. In "There is/are" structures, the verb There is a book on the table.
agrees with the noun after the verb There are two books on the table.
There is a book and two pens on the table.
(Still singular due to first noun)
15. Some nouns are always plural pants, trousers, scissors, pliers, shears, tongs...
→ take plural verbs
But: A pair of scissors was left on the table.
(singular subject)
16. With indefinite pronouns, use singular Everything seems perfect.
verbs (someone, anyone, no one, everyone, Nobody loves me.
something, anything, everything, nothing...)
17. With subjects using "no" No money has been invested for this
If followed by a singular noun, use singular company.
verb. If followed by a plural noun, use plural No lessons were given to us thimorning.
verb
18. After none of / either of / neither of / one None of my children has blue eyes.
of, use singular verb

PRACTICE

Exercise 1. Look at the underlined nouns. Are they countable or uncountable?

1. There was a car behind us. 6. Love makes the world go round.
2. I never eat meat. 7. Good luck in your new job.
3. Do you play golf? 8. Power stations produce energy.
4. I had to wait ten minutes. 9. I’m taking a photo.
5. Just tell me one thing. 10. Would you like an apple?

Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks with "a" or "an."

1. I saw ………………. elephant at the zoo yesterday.
2. She is ………………. excellent student in her class.
3. We need ………………. umbrella because it's raining outside.
4. He gave me ………………. apple from his lunch.
5. I want to buy ………………. new phone this weekend.
6. They are looking for ………………. honest person to join their team.
7. It’s ………………. idea to bring snacks to the picnic.
8. Can you lend me ………………. pen, please?
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9. There is ………………. interesting book on the shelf.
10. I met ………………. old friend at the park this morning.

Exercise 3. Write the plural form of these nouns.

1. flower ……..………….. 11. holiday ……..…………..
2. sheep ……..………….. 12. potato ……..…………..
3. woman ……..………….. 13. tooth ……..…………..
4. city ……..………….. 14. leaf ……..…………..
5. man ……..………….. 15. baby ……..…………..
6. address ……..………….. 16. chair ……..…………..
7. knife ……..………….. 17. day ……..…………..
8. sandwich ……..………….. 18. bus ……..…………..
9. family ……..………….. 19. person ……..…………..
10. foot ……..………….. 20. fox ……..…………..

Exercise 4. Complete the sentences with some or any.

1. We didn’t buy ……………………. flowers.
2. This evening I’m going out with ……………………. friends of mine.
3. I didn’t have ……………………. money, so I had to borrow …………… .
4. Can I have ……………………. milk on my coffee, please?
5. I was too tired to do ……………………. work.
6. Have you seen ……………………. good films recently?
7. Can you give me ……………………. information about places of interest in the town?
8. With the special tourist train ticket, you can travel on ……………. train you like.
9. If there are ……………………. words you don’t understand, use a dictionary.
10. She went out without ……………………. money.

Exercise 5. Complete the conversations. Put in some, any, anyone, someone, something,
anything.
1. A: We haven’t got ……………….. bread.
B: You’d better go to the shop, then. We need ……………….. tomatoes, too.
2. A: Would you like ……………….. cheese and biscuits?
B: Oh, no thank you. That was delicious, but I couldn’t eat ……………….. else.
3. A: There’s ……………….. at the door.
B: Are you expecting ……………….. visitors?
4. A: Has ……………….. offered to help you with the tea?
B: No, but I’d be very grateful for ……………….. help you can give.
5. A: I was looking for ……………….., and now I can’t remember what it was.
B: You said you were looking for ……………….. matches.

Exercise 6. Complete the conversation. Put in a lot of, many, or much. More than one
answer may be correct.
Matthew: There are (1) ……………….. athletes taking part in the International Games in
London. There’s been (2) ……………….. coverage in the papers.
Daniel: Our runners haven’t won (3) ……………….. medals, have they?

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Matthew: No, not as (4) ……………….. as last time. But there is plenty of time. There are still
(5) ……………….. events to come. I’d like to go and see some of the track events, but I haven’t
got (6) ……………….. time at the moment.
Daniel: No, not with exams coming up. We’re having so (7) ……………….. lessons to study.
Matthew: I’m hoping to go at the weekend if I can get a ticket. Apparently there aren’t (8)
……………….. seats left.
Daniel: I’ve heard the cheapest tickets are £25. I think that’s too (9) ……………….. .

Exercise 7. Put in a few, few, a little, or little.

1. I don’t think I can lift this box on my own. I need ……………….. help.
2. ……………….. tourists visited Northern Ireland in the 1980s because of the terrorism there.
3. The postman doesn’t often come here. We receive ……………….. letters.
4. The snow was quite deep. There seemed ……………….. hope of completing our journey.
5. Trevor doesn’t find it easy to fix the shelves. He’s having ……………….. trouble.
6. Sarah is exhausted. She’s having ……………….. days’ holiday next week.
7. David quite likes golf, but unfortunately, he has ……………….. ability.
8. I can speak ……………….. words of Swedish, but I’m not very fluent.
9. Listen carefully. I’m going to give you ……………….. advice.
10. "Have you ever been to Paris?" "Yes, I’ve been there ……………….. times."

Exercise 8. Choose from the list and complete the sentences. Use of where necessary.
that food my friends plants a chicken birds
European countries accidents my life these clothes cars

1. All ………………….………. need water.

2. None ………………….………. will be at the party.
3. I have lived in this town most ………………….………. .
4. Sarah travels a lot. She has been to most ………………….………. .
5. Some ………………….………. from the party was all right, but I threw some of it away.
6. He’s eaten two pizzas and most ………………….………. .
7. Many ………………….………. are caused by bad driving.
8. Not all ………………….………. can fly. For example, the penguin can't fly.
9. None ………………….………. are in fashion now.
10. Some ………………….………. can go faster than others.

Exercise 9. Put in each or every. Sometimes both are possible.

1. She had a child holding on to ……………….. hand.
2. The World Cup is held ……………….. four years.
3. None of the rooms was the same. ……………….. room was different.
4. ……………….. parent worries about their children.
5. In a game of tennis, there are two or four players. ……………….. player has a racket.
6. Melanie is a religious person. She goes to church ……………….. Sunday.
7. We had a great holiday. I enjoyed ……………….. minute of it.
8. The book is divided into five parts and ……………….. of these has three sections.
9. Car seat belts save lives. ……………….. driver should wear one.
10. In a football match, ……………….. team has 11 players.
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Exercise 10. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.
1. The trousers you bought for me (doesn't/ don't) fit me.
2. Physics (was/ were) my best subject at school.
3. Fortunately, the news (wasn't/ weren't) as bad as we had expected.
4. The police (wants/ want) to interview Fred about a robbery.
5. Three days (isn't/ aren't) long enough for a good holiday.
6. Where (does/ do) your family live?
7. England (have/ has) lost all their football matches this season.
8. (Does/ Do) the police know about the stolen money?
9. Can I borrow your scissors? Mine (isn't/ aren't) sharp enough,
10. I'm going to take a taxi. Six miles (is/ are) too far for me to walk.
11. John, along with twenty friends, (is/ are) planning a party.
12. The picture of the soldiers (bring/ brings) back a lot of memories.
13. If the duties of these officers (isn't/ aren't) reduced, there will not be enough time to finish
the project.
14. Advertisements on television (is/ are) becoming more competitive than ever before.
15. Living expenses in this country, as well as in many others, (is/are) at an all-time high.

Exercise 11. Mark and Sarah are in an antique shop. Complete the conversation by choosing
the correct form of the verb.
Sarah: This table is lovely.
Mark: Yes, the wood (1) is/are beautiful, isn’t it?
Sarah: The style and the colour (2) is/are both perfect for what we want.
Mark: These chairs (3) looks/look very stylish, too, but they (4) is/are rather expensive.
Sarah: Can you see if the table (5) has/have got a price on?
Mark: Yes, it has. It says it (6) costs/cost £2,000. That’s ridiculous.
Sarah: Don’t you think prices (7) has/have gone up recently? Those tables we saw last month
(8) wasn’t/weren’t so expensive.

Exercise 12. Complete the text with the correct form of the word in each blank.
Last week, I went to the supermarket to buy some groceries. I bought (1) (many/much)
fruits and vegetables, including apples, bananas, and tomatoes. I also bought (2) (a few/little) cans
of soup and (3) (a lot of/few) bread. My brother asked me to get (4) (some/any) meat for dinner,
but I couldn’t find (5) (much/many) because the shelves were almost empty. I managed to find (6)
(a few/few) packages of chicken, which should be enough for the family.
While I was at the store, I noticed (7) (few/little) people were buying rice, so I decided to
get (8) (a lot of/a little) bags for the week. There was (9) (a number of/the number of) products on
sale, and I took (10) (some/any) of them. I also got (11) (a great deal of/many) butter, because we
need it for the bakery.
When I went to pay, I realized I forgot to buy (12) (some/any) sugar for the cake. I didn’t
want to go back, so I asked the cashier if she could help me find (13) (some/any) nearby, but she
said they didn’t have (14) (much/many) left. However, she told me that (15) (a few/few) other
shops had some, so I quickly went to one of them to finish my shopping.