Posts

Showing posts with the label nouns

Counting uncountable nouns in English

Uncountable nouns, also known as mass nouns, are substances, materials, or concepts that cannot be counted individually. Examples include water, air, time, and happiness. These nouns do not have a plural form and are often treated as singular entities. To quantify uncountable nouns, we use countable units, which are words or phrases that help us measure or describe the amount or extent of the noun. In many cases, we can use our versions of countable units, but in most cases, they are fixed. Collective nouns and countable units for uncountable nouns have overlapped in many places. It is all about how we usually say it. Most importantly, even though we use an indefinite article (a/an) with these nouns, we usually don't count them beyond one because in most cases, they are idiomatic expressions. Counting them with numbers such as three, four, five, etc., will be awkward. "She gave me four bits of information" sounds awkward, whereas "She gave me some information" i

Nouns that have irregular plurals in English - a comprehensive list of irregular plurals

Image
English is a language known for its quirks and exceptions, and one of the most challenging aspects of mastering the language is navigating its irregular plurals. While most nouns follow a simple rule of adding -s or -es to form the plural, some words refuse to conform. Whether you're a language learner, a writer, or simply a word enthusiast, understanding irregular plurals is crucial for clear and effective communication. In this post, we'll delve into the world of irregular plurals, exploring the fascinating history and logic behind these exceptions. We'll also provide a comprehensive list of common irregular plurals, from child to phenomenon, to help you improve your language skills and avoid common mistakes. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most troublesome plurals with confidence. So, let's dive in and explore the intriguing realm of irregular plurals in English!  No pattern a genus - genera (or genuses) a person - people (o