When we don’t want to count an uncountable noun, we just use the word some. But to count an uncountable noun we need to use a unit of measurement, a measure word. We can’t say two breads because bread is uncountable. So, if we want to express a quantity of bread we need to use a measure word such as loaf or slice.

Measure words allow us to use the same uncountable noun in different partitive expressions with different meanings. For example, a loaf of bread and a slice of bread are two partitive expressions with different meanings. A loaf of bread is a whole unit of bread that we buy from a bakery. A slice of bread is a smaller unit of bread after it has been cut from a loaf.

measure word + of + noun

Examples:

I’m going to buy two loaves of bread at the bakery.

Could you pass me two slices of bread so I can make a sandwich?

Common Measure Words with Uncountable Nouns:

➡ a bag of flour / rice / sugar

➡ a bar of chocolate / gold / soap

➡ a bottle of Coke / milk / water

➡ a bowl of cereal /rice / soup

➡ a box of cereal / material / paper

➡ a can of cream / meat / tuna

➡ a carton of ice cream / milk / juice

➡ a cup of coffee / milk / tea

➡ a drop of blood / oil / vinegar

➡ a glass of beer / juice / wine

➡ a grain of flour / rice / sand

➡ an item of clothing / expense / news

➡ a jar of honey jam / peanut / butter

➡ a piece of advice / furniture / paper

➡ a roll of film / tape / toilet paper

➡ a slice of bread / cheese / meat

➡ a spoonful of sugar / syrup / sweetener

➡ a tablespoon of butter / honey / salt

➡ a teaspoon of cinnamon / medicine / sugar

➡ a tube of glue / lipstick / toothpaste 

Measure words are most common with uncountable nouns, but some of them can also be used with countable nouns.

Examples:

- two bags of tomatoes 

- a can of sardines

- a jar of cookies

Let’s practice!
Write in the comments section sentences using measure words with uncountable nouns.