Articles. Indefinite Articles with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are nouns that are either difficult or impossible to count. Uncountable nouns include intangible things (e.g., information, air), liquids (e.g., milk, wine), and things that are too large or numerous to count (e.g., equipment, sand, wood). Because these things can’t be counted, you should never use a or an with them—remember, the indefinite article is only for singular nouns. Uncountable nouns can be modified by words like some, however. Consider the examples below for reference:
Incorrect: Please give me a water.
Water is an uncountable noun and should not be used with the indefinite article.
Correct: Please give me some water. – Пожалуйста, дай мне воды.
However, if you describe the water in terms of countable units (like bottles), you can use the indefinite article.
Correct: Please give me a bottle of water. – Пожалуйста, дай мне бутылку воды.
Incorrect: Please give me an ice.
Note that depending on the context, some nouns can be countable or uncountable (e.g., hair, noise, time):
Correct: We need a light in this room. – Мне нужен светильник в этой комнате.
Correct: We need some light in this room. – Мне нужен свет в этой комнате.
