Water can be drunk, stored in a bottle or given to a plant.

The idea

In ordinary uses, water is uncountable: say some water or water is cold. To count servings or containers, count the vessel: a glass of water, two bottles of water.

Examples

  • There is some water in the bottle.
  • Could I have a glass of water?
  • The water is cold today.
  • We need two bottles of water.
  • Please give the plant some water.
  • She drinks water after her walk.

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Watch out

Do not normally say a water when you mean the substance. In a café, a water can informally mean one serving or bottle.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for an unspecified amount. There is ___ water in the bottle. (some / a)

    Show answer or example answer

    some

    some water names an unspecified amount.

  2. Count two containers. We need two ___ of water. (glass / glasses)

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    glasses

    glasses counts the containers, not the water.

  3. Choose the verb agreeing with water. The water ___ cold. (is / are)

    Show answer or example answer

    is

    is agrees with uncountable water.

Use it today

Ask for water, then say how many glasses or bottles you need.