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

➡ 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?

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

✅ Partitive expressions with uncountable nouns

Below is a list of some common partitive expressions containing a measure word + an uncountable noun with an example.

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