Information, advice, and other uncountable nouns

Some nouns usually describe individual things we can count: one email, two emails. Others describe something as a mass or general concept: information, advice, and equipment.

Avoid a or an with these general nouns

Say “some information”, not “an information.” Say “some advice”, not “an advice.” In their usual workplace meanings, these nouns do not take a plural -s either.

“The information is useful.” The verb is singular in this sentence.

Count a unit when you need to

Use a piece of advice, two pieces of information, or three items of equipment. The unit can be counted even though the main noun is uncountable.

“I have two suggestions” is another way to express two separate ideas. “Suggestion” is countable; “advice” usually is not.

Choose much or many

“How many emails did you receive?”

“How much information do you need?”

“A lot of” works with both: “a lot of emails” and “a lot of information.” Some nouns have different countable and uncountable meanings, so check the intended meaning.

Your turn

Correct: “These informations are useful.” Then express one separate recommendation using advice.

Show the answers

“This information is useful.” For one recommendation, say “a piece of advice”: “She gave me a useful piece of advice.”