What is a noncount noun?

A noncount (or mass) noun refers to something that cannot be counted. Noncount nouns are normally not used after the words a or an or after a number. They have only one form and are used with singular verb forms. 

• The rain is still coming down heavily. 
• The information was unclear. 
• Her despair now seems even deeper. 

A few noncount nouns look like plurals but are used with the singular form of verbs. 

• Physics was my favorite course. 
• My mother studied economics when she was in college. 
• The news that morning was good. 

Gerunds, which are nouns that are identical to the -ing form of a verb (the present participle), are also noncount nouns. 

• I think I've been doing too much running. 
• Her crying made me sad. 

A particular noun can be count or noncount depending on its meaning in a particular context.

• I’ve read that book several times. (count)
• Time seemed to stop when he entered the room. (noncount)

• Don't drink too much coffee. (noncount)
• (to a waiter) Can we have two coffees please? (count)