10
1.10 uncountable nouns more details 1. Some nouns are both countable and uncountable, but with a difference in meaning.
2. Some nouns are used in both their singular and plural forms, with no difference in meaning.
3. Some uncountable nouns can be used in a countable way when preceded by an adjective.
UNCOUNTABLE COUNTABLE / PLURAL FORM 1
Paper and
coffee are becoming expensive commodities. She has
a coffee (i.e. a cup of coffee)
and reads a paper (i.e. a newspaper) everyday. She has just finished
another paper (i.e. a manuscript)
1 The role of traditional medicine is being undermined by alternative
medicine . The occurrence and fate of
medicines in the environment – i.e. how they are absorbed into the water and soil systems – has rarely been investigated.
1 The
explosion caused considerable damage to the machine. The company has been awarded
damages (i.e. compensation) as a result of the lawsuit.
1 Dealing with
waste is a major problem in the West. The conference was
a waste of time .
1 This
work (i.e. this research, manuscript) is worth publishing. The field of the cultural heritage investigates ways of preserving
works of art.
2 This
data is fascinating. These
data are fascinating.
2 Teenagers often exhibit
behavior that is annoying for adults. Some
autistic children exhibit behaviors that are potentially …
2 Several devices were tested and their
performance was evaluated. Several devices were tested and their
Share with your friends: