Any nuances?

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HiWhat's the difference between 'pleasure' and 'pleasance'. And, 'pleasant' and 'pleasing'? Then, 'comprehendible' and 'comprehensible'.(The following question should be in the grammar section but hopefully no one will mind.)And, I've found this sentence in one of my english grammar books: 'We use could for general ability'. I'm wondering, why there isn't 'a' before 'general ability'. To my knowledge, ability is countable (abilities). That's why I suppose there should be 'a general ability'.Thanks in advance.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

HardellWhat's the difference between 'pleasure' and 'pleasance'.

pleasance is archaic. I have never seen it used although it might be seen in very old writings. Pleasure is a common word.

HardellAnd, 'pleasant' and 'pleasing'?

They are very close synonyms.

The symphony was pleasing (giving pleasure.) Usually pleasing is associated with a particular sense and pleasant is more general.

The weather is pleasant. (nice, not too hot and not too cold.)

HardellThen, 'comprehendible' and 'comprehensible'.

They are synonyms. Comprehensible is much more common.

Hardell'We use could for general ability'.

This sentence does not make any sense.

The phrase can be used in either a countable or uncountable context:

Most people believe that tests for general ability are racially or culturally biased.
Intelligence is related to a general ability to learn new things quickly.

Hardell · Answer

Thank you, but take a look at this:

Image

Taken from 'English grammar in use'. I don't wanna doubt your response, but doubting a cambridge book seems strange to me.

Even though you've posted an example of "uncountable ability", I (and even my friend) don't get it. I'd put 'a' even in the example. We can't imagine 'ability' in an uncountable context.

Could you please post some other examples?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

HardellTaken from 'English grammar in use'. I don't wanna doubt your response, but doubting a cambridge book seems strange to me.

You did not highlight the word "could" (by underlining, quoting, or bold-facing) as your English book did.

You must do this when you post these kinds of sentences without context. Otherwise the sentence is incomprehensible.

"General ability" is used in psychological testing - it does not refer to a specific ability, but the overall capability of the subject. Your text used the phrase in the same sense.

In other contexts, "ability" is a count noun.

Hardell · Answer

Sure... Sorry, my fault. Most of the times I highlight what is needed to be highlighted. But this time, I'd read the whole page in my book so It was plain to me.

Thanks you

Any nuances?

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