Articles Usage with Countable & Uncountable Nouns

Whether an article 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 advice 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.

Remember: Always use articles when referring a particular job such as:
doctor/dentist/nurse/pharmacist/physiotherapist/teacher etc etc.

Countable nouns Singular form Plural form

Note the use of an article before Note the absence of the indefinite
each noun in singular form, articles a/an before each noun in
either as a/an/the singular form, but the definite
article
abscess The patient had an abscess on The patient had 3 abscesses
her gum. on her gum.
ache The patient reported a dull The patient suffered from
ache in her abdomen. aches and pains.
accountant Mr. Hagen is an accountant. Mr. & Mrs. Hagen are both
accountants.
appointment A follow-up appointment was The patient did not attend her
scheduled. follow-up appointments.
cavity The cavity was exposed. The cavities were exposed.
check up The patient attended for a Regular check-ups will keep
check-up. you healthy.
complaint If you have a complaint, tell If you have any complaints,
your doctor. tell your doctor.
condition You have a condition known There are 3 conditions which
as tuberculosis. can indicate the presence of
cancer.
deposit A carious deposit was evident Carious deposits were evident
on tooth 32. on teeth 32 & 33.
doctor The patient has not seen a Three doctors were involved
doctor for several years. in the treatment of the patient.
episode The patient had an episode of The patient reported 3
heart flutter. episodes of heart flutter.
examination An examination is necessary Blood urine examinations
to rule out cancer. revealed no abnormalities
gum The gum surrounding tooth 23 The gums were infected.
was inflamed.
increase There was an increase in the The patient presented with
size of the swelling. numerous swellings.
interpreter An interpreter is required. Interpreters will be required.
investigation An investigation is required to Investigations are required to
rule out bowel cancer. rule out bowel cancer.
limp The patient walked with a All the patients had limps.
limp.
parasite The threadworm is a parasite Threadworms are parasites.
lip The patient had a swollen lip. The patient had swollen lips.
(one lip) (both lips)
smoker She is a smoker. They are smokers.
operation An operation is necessary. Two operations are necessary.
painkiller The patient requested a Painkillers are not necessary
painkiller. with this procedure.
physiotherapist An appointment needs to be a Two physiotherapists work at
arranged with a this rehabiliation centre.
physiotherpist.
result The patient hoped for a The results were positive.
positive result.
review A review was scheduled after The nurse received positive
2 weeks. reviews from her patients.
sensation The patient reported a tingling The patient experience
sensation in his fingers. tingling sensations in his
fingers.
social worker A social worker has been Two social workers have been
arranged to offer ongoing arranged to offer ongoing
care. care.
teacher Steve is a teacher. Steve and Chris are teachers.
test A blood test was ordered. Blood and urine tests were
ordered.
visit Please organise a visit by a Regular visits by a social
social worker. worker is required.

Uncountable nouns
These nouns cannot take a plural form such as: cancer, anaesthesia and information. For these
words no article is required. However, the definite article the as well as quantifiers such as
some and any can be used before the noun.

Uncountable nouns Indefinite articles cannot be used with uncountable

nouns. However definite article “the” as well as
quantifiers such as some and any can be used.
accommodation The patient lives in rental accommodation.
advice Advice on diet is requested.
assistance The patient will require assistance upon discharge.
attention The patient requires urgent attention.
behaviour On examination, the patient's behaviour was abnormal.
cancer The patient has cancer.
caries Deep caries were present on several teeth.
concentration The patient has poor concentration.
damage The scan confirmed damage to the medial cartilage.
discomfort If you experience discomfort, please consult your
doctor.
information Should you require further information, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
pain The patient experienced pain on palapation.
progress The patient has made good progress.
tissue She has healthy, soft tissue.
treatment The condition did not respond to treatment.
research Further research is required.
surgery The patient chose not to have surgery.

Common mistakes

Incorrect
Wound on her left knee has been stitched.
I am writing to refer Marvin, 7 year old boy who was admitted to hospital on 21/11/10.
Mr Brown has been patient of mine for 7 years.
Please note, the patient has had prosthetic heart valve for year.
Examination revealed abscess on her gum.
Apart from bruises to her body, X-rays reveal that she has fracture of the right ankle.
Mr Jones had a heart surgery in 2009.
The patient has a cancer.
She had a healthy soft tissue.
He had lacerated lip and swollen gum.
The patient has pollen allergy.
The patient has tender right elbow joint.
The patient presented for regular check-up on 12/2/10.

A wound on her left hand has been stitched.

I am writing to refer Marvin, a 7 year old boy who was admitted to hospital on 21/11/09.
Mr Brown has been a patient of mine for 7 years.
Please note, the patient has had a prosthetic heart valve for a year
Examination revealed an abscess on her gum.
Apart from bruises to her body, X-rays reveal that she has a fracture of the right ankle.
Mr Jones had heart surgery in 2009.
The patient has cancer.
She had healthy soft tissue.
He had a lacerated lip and swollen gums.
The patient has a pollen allergy
The patient has a tender right elbow joint.
The patient presented for a regular check-up on 12/2/10.