Countable vs Uncountable Nouns
Some English nouns can't be counted — a concept Hindi handles differently
Category: Nouns
The Rule
Countable nouns: one book, two books. Uncountable nouns: information (NOT informations), furniture (NOT furnitures), advice (NOT advices). Hindi allows counting many words English doesn't.
Why This Matters
Hindi: 'दो सलाह' (two advices) or 'कई जानकारियाँ' (many informations) are acceptable. English: 'advice' and 'information' are UNCOUNTABLE — can't add -s or use 'a/an'. Hindi speakers produce 'many informations', 'an advice', 'two furnitures'.
Examples
• She gave me some advice. — "उसने मुझे कुछ सलाह दी।" [Uncountable: 'some advice' NOT 'an advice' or 'advices'] • I need more information. — "मुझे और जानकारी चाहिए।" [Uncountable: no 's', no 'an'] • We bought new furniture. — "हमने नया फर्नीचर खरीदा।" [Uncountable: 'furniture' (NOT 'furnitures')]
Common Mistakes
❌ He gave me many advices. ✅ He gave me a lot of advice. → 'Advice' is uncountable in English. Use 'a lot of advice' or 'pieces of advice'. ❌ I have a good news. ✅ I have good news. → 'News' is uncountable (despite the -s!). No 'a' before it.
Quick Tip
Hindi counts many nouns that English considers uncountable. Memorize the trap words: news, information, advice, furniture, luggage, homework, equipment, research. NONE take -s or a/an.
Hindi counts many nouns that English considers uncountable. Memorize the trap words: news, information, advice, furniture, luggage, homework, equipment, research. NONE take -s or a/an.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: He gave me many advices. → Correct: He gave me a lot of advice.. 'Advice' is uncountable in English. Use 'a lot of advice' or 'pieces of advice'.
Incorrect: I have a good news. → Correct: I have good news.. 'News' is uncountable (despite the -s!). No 'a' before it.
Quiz
Which is correct?