Common mistake Articles: a + uncountable noun

Common Mistakes in English Grammar

English grammar can be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes, even for native speakers. In this article, we'll discuss one common error that many people make when using articles with uncountable nouns.

Articles: "a" + uncountable noun

Uncountable nouns are usually not used with an indefinite article like "a" or "an." An uncountable noun refers to something that cannot be counted or quantified, such as a substance, a concept, or a quality. Here are a few examples of uncountable nouns:

Water
Information
Advice
Money
Knowledge

Incorrect: I need a water.

Correct: I need water.

Incorrect: Can I have an information?

Correct: Can I have information?

Using an indefinite article with uncountable nouns is considered incorrect because it implies that there is a countable quantity of something that is inherently uncountable. Instead, to refer to an uncountable noun, we simply use the noun without any article:

When talking about a specific example or a portion of an uncountable noun, we use words such as "some," "a lot of," or "a little bit of" instead of the indefinite article:

Incorrect: I need a money to buy lunch.

Correct: I need some money to buy lunch.

Incorrect: Can you give me an advice?

Correct: Can you give me some advice?

In conclusion, when using uncountable nouns, remember to avoid using the indefinite article "a" or "an." Instead, use the noun without any article or use words like "some," "a lot of," or "a little bit of" to refer to a specific quantity.

Linguix grammar checker can be a valuable tool in helping you identify and correct grammar mistakes in your writing.

Articles: a + uncountable noun mistake examples

Correct:
The information in your files is correct.
Correct:
An intelligence service is known to be corrupt here.
Correct:
It was thrown off of a garbage truck
Correct:
Please focus on a research question
Correct:
Move it into a food processor
Correct:
Please keep a food diary
Incorrect:
An accommodation is too expensive.

Correct:
Accommodation is too expensive.
Incorrect:
You need a wisdom in your life.

Correct:
You need wisdom in your life.
Incorrect:
The lack of a wisdom caused him to upset many people.

Correct:
The lack of wisdom caused him to upset many people.

Correct:
A knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.
Incorrect:
A knowledge is power.

Correct:
Knowledge is power.

Correct:
The information in your files is correct.
Correct:
I have a little money.
Correct:
An intelligence service is known to be corrupt here.
Incorrect:
A nice accommodation is too expensive.

Correct:
Nice accommodation is too expensive.
Incorrect:
He made a bad graffiti with his hands.

Correct:
He made bad graffiti with his hands.
Incorrect:
Unfortunately, a bad graffiti were on the walls.

Correct:
Unfortunately, bad graffiti were on the walls.
Incorrect:
Unfortunately, an incorrect advice resulted in his financial ruin.

Correct:
Unfortunately, incorrect advice resulted in his financial ruin.
Correct:
This was mentioned in a German research.
Correct:
Automated Mathematician, an artificial intelligence program

Correct:
Knowledge is power.
Correct:
A little knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.
Incorrect:
A good knowledge is power.

Correct:
Good knowledge is power.
Incorrect:
Because a poor knowledge caused him to fail the exam, he...

Correct:
Because poor knowledge caused him to fail the exam, he...

Correct:
The information in your files is correct.
Correct:
My wife's part-time job brings in a little extra money.
Correct:
An intelligence service is known to be corrupt here.
Correct:
I can find a few different food options.
Incorrect:
A very nice accommodation is too expensive.

Correct:
Very nice accommodation is too expensive.
Incorrect:
Although a very nice accommodation was offered, we decided that it was too expensive.

Correct:
Although very nice accommodation was offered, we decided that it was too expensive.

Correct:
A very little knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.
Incorrect:
A very good knowledge is too time-consuming.

Correct:
Very good knowledge is too time-consuming.
Incorrect:
A very good knowledge was the result of much study.

Correct:
Very good knowledge was the result of much study.

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