MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

Which statement is true about noncountable nouns?

1. They can usually be made plural by adding "s"

2. They denote items that can be counted

3. They cannot be made plural by changing the ending

4. They are always abstract concepts

The correct answer is: They cannot be made plural by changing the ending

Noncountable nouns are special in that they cannot be made plural through conventional means, such as adding an "s" at the end. This characteristic defines them; these nouns refer to substances, concepts, or collective categories that cannot be counted individually. For example, words like "water," "information," and "furniture" represent items that exist in a mass form or denote a whole category rather than individual units. While some options mention aspects of noncountable nouns, they fail to accurately capture their defining feature. Noncountable nouns can include both concrete items, like "rice," and abstract concepts, such as "happiness." Thus, it is inaccurate to claim that noncountable nouns are always abstract concepts or that they denote items that can be counted. By understanding that noncountable nouns inherently lack a plural form as a result of their nature, it becomes clear why the selected statement is correct.