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User_gary Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

a kernel/a grain/corn on the cob/an ear of corn

I think both "corn on the cob" and "an ear of corn" mean the same thing. Am I right?

Here is a picture.

Similarly, I think, "a kernel of maize" or "a grain of the maize" are same. Am I right?

  

Top answer

An ear of corn is a unit; corn-on-the-cob is a food preparation style, and is uncountable. A kernel of maize is fine, but a grain of maize is odd to me. Corn and other succulent seeds (nuts, etc) normally come in kernels, while little tiny dry cereals (wheat, rice, oats) are usually referred to as 'grains'.

— Mister Micawber

  • An ear of corn is a unit; corn-on-the-cob is a food preparation style, and is uncountable.
  • A kernel of maize is fine, but a grain of maize is odd to me.
  • Corn and other succulent seeds (nuts, etc) normally come in kernels, while little tiny dry cereals (wheat, rice, oats) are usually referred to as 'grains'.
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3 Answers
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An ear of corn is a unit; corn-on-the-cob is a food preparation style, and is uncountable.

A kernel of maize is fine, but a grain of maize is odd to me. Corn and other succulent seeds (nuts, etc) normally come in kernels, while little tiny dry cereals (wheat, rice, oats) are usually referred to as 'grains'.
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Thank you Mister Micawber.

I think "a kernel of maize" is called "sweetcorn". Am I right?
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Sweetcorn can refer to either the whole thing or just the kernels.
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