Never Say “I Heard a Good News”: A Common Mistake You Should Avoid
Hi there, wonderful learners! It’s Janet from English with Janet, and today I want to address a common error that many English learners encounter—saying “I heard a good news.” This might ring a bell for some of you, but don’t fret! It’s a simple correction once you grasp the reason behind it.
Navigating English grammar can be challenging, particularly with articles like “a,” “an,” and “the.” In this blog post, I’ll clarify why “I heard a good news” is not correct, provide tips on using “news” properly, and share a few examples to boost your confidence in everyday conversations.
To start with, let’s break down what’s happening in the phrase “I heard a good news.” The issue lies in the word “news.” The word “news” is an uncountable noun. This means that it doesn’t take a plural form, and we don’t use it with “a” or “an.” Uncountable nouns refer to things that can’t be counted as individual items. They include words like “information,” “advice,” “water,” and yes—“news.”
When we use uncountable nouns, we never place “a” or “an” in front of them. Instead, we use words like “some,” “a piece of,” or simply nothing at all. For example:
The word “news” itself refers to information or a report, and since we can’t count individual “news,” it stays uncountable.
If you’ve ever used the phrase “a good news” or heard someone else say it, don’t worry! It’s a common error, particularly among learners whose native languages treat “news” differently. In some languages, “news” can be countable or have a plural form, which can lead to this little mistake when translating into English. The great news (pun intended!) is that once you know this rule, fixing it becomes simple. Grasping the idea of uncountable nouns will not only enhance your use of the word “news” but also improve your understanding of many other frequently used words in English.
Now that we understand why saying “a good news” is incorrect, let’s explore the proper ways to use “news” in various contexts.
1. Some Good News
If you want to share something positive you’ve heard, you can say:
Example: I have some good news to share with you! Here, “some” indicates an unspecified amount of positive information, which works well with the uncountable noun “news.”
2. A Piece of News
You can also refer to news by saying “a piece of.” This phrase helps you discuss a specific item of news while maintaining the uncountable aspect of the word.
Example: She shared an interesting piece of news about the new project. In this case, “a piece of news” refers to one specific item or detail.
3. Simply Use “News” Alone
At times, you can just use “news” without any additional words.
Example: I heard good news about your promotion! Here, there’s no need for “a” or “some” because “news” stands strong on its own. If you’re feeling confident, this is the easiest way to talk about news in English!
Since we’re on the topic of uncountable nouns, let me introduce you to a few other common ones that you might encounter. Understanding these will help you become more comfortable with the concept of uncountable nouns and how to use them.
In all these examples, we see the same rule at play: uncountable nouns don’t take “a” or “an,” and we often use words like “some,” “a piece of,” or “a bit of” instead.
You might be asking yourself, “Is it really important to say ‘a good news’?” Well, the reality is that even small errors like this can catch the attention of native English speakers, making your English sound a bit less natural. By using “news” correctly, you’ll come across as more fluent and self-assured in your discussions.
Additionally, getting a handle on uncountable nouns will benefit you in various aspects of English. The more you practice, the more instinctive it will become to use them correctly. And believe me, once you start spotting uncountable nouns, you’ll notice how frequently they appear in daily conversations.
How to Practice Using “News” Correctly
Here are some helpful tips to improve your use of “news” and other uncountable nouns in your English speaking and writing:
Tune into the news on television or check out English podcasts. Pay close attention to how the word “news” is used. You’ll find that they never say “a news,” but they might say “some news” or “good news.”
Reading is an excellent way to observe grammar in context. Try exploring articles from English newspapers or news websites. Notice how frequently the word “news” appears, and you’ll see it’s never preceded by “a.”
The more you practice phrases like “I have some good news” or “I heard good news,” the more instinctive they will feel. Speak out loud, even if it’s just to yourself, and develop the habit of using the correct forms.
Create flashcards for common uncountable nouns such as “news,” “advice,” and “information.” On one side, write the noun, and on the other, include example sentences that use “some,” “a piece of,” or other suitable phrases.
Conclusion
In summary, there you go! A straightforward explanation of why saying “I heard a good news” is incorrect. The term “news” is uncountable, meaning it doesn’t take “a” or “an.” Instead, you can say “some good news,” “a piece of news,” or just “good news.” As with many elements of English, the more you practice, the better you get. So, the next time you have something exciting to share with your friends, you’ll know just how to say it correctly. Keep up the practice, keep on learning, and remember—I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Until next time, happy learning!
Warmly,
Janet
