With some mass and abstract nouns, countification is accompanied by a shift of meaning: paper (SC papir) vs. a paper (SC novine, dokument)...

Rumours about the shuttlecock diplomacy being conducted by Prime Minister Miklós Kállay went the rounds, with people saying that “a deal” was going to be struck with the Allies behind the backs of the Germans.

Is my son here, Clarence? asked Roger Oakley. Nope. The whistle ain't blowed yet.

In addition to facilitating identification, status symbols have two other functions. First, they act to dignify relationships, to bring a sense of formality or respectability to the situation. … Second, status symbols are often important in motivation. One has to be amazed at the time and effort that a high school athlete will invest to earn the right to wear a letter jacket—which his parents will have to purchase in many school districts!