Whether an

Ar

icle is required or not depends on the noun that follows. For this purpose nouns can be classified into two
types: countable &
uncountable nouns. The

difference is based on whether the noun can be counted or not. For example complaint is a countable noun as

it can be

counted. Therefore it is possible to say 1 complaint or 2 complaints. Advice on the other hand cannot be

counted so it is not possible to say 1

dvice or 2 advices , The correct expression is some/any advice or the expression a piece of advice.
Countable nouns

These nouns have a singular form and plural form.

Singular

In the singular form an article is usually used before the noun. Example: The doctor received a complaint

from her patient.

NB. Exceptions: The article can be left out if it is replaced with another determiner such as his/her or this

/that or any/each/every. E.g. The

doctor listened to each complaint. Her complaint was recorded.

Plural

In the plural form the article is usually not used before the noun. Example: The doctor received complaints

from her patients.

Remem

Ber

A
Lway

su

se article