MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of a noncountable noun?

1. Books

2. Apples

3. Furniture

4. Cars

The correct answer is: Furniture

The choice of furniture as an example of a noncountable noun is correct because noncountable nouns refer to substances, concepts, or collective categories that cannot be counted as individual items. Instead of being counted in numbers, these nouns are typically referred to in bulk or mass. For instance, we wouldn't say 'two furnitures' since it represents a general category of items, rather than individual pieces. In contrast, the other options—books, apples, and cars—are all countable nouns as they can be quantified individually. One can say 'six books' or 'three apples' and meaningfully count the individual items, which clearly differentiates them from noncountable nouns. Hence, furniture functions as a collective term that combines various pieces and is treated as a singular overall concept, reinforcing its status as a noncountable noun.