Ash and ashes

Question

I'm so confused about using ash and ashes.
I 've read 3 examples about "ash (noun)" so far:
1. After he died, he wanted his ashes spread over the ocean.
2. Volcanic ash covered the city.
3. After the fire, only ash was left.
These examples was taken from "VOA wordbook" which is an android software. It says that "ash" (noun): "the part left after something burns".
Could someone tell me "ash" is uncountable noun or countable noun?
IF it is an uncountable noun, why the first example uses "ashes" with human burnt body? Thank you!

Dave_anon · Accepted Answer

Hi

Ash and ashes are not usually a countable noun. However, when a person is cremated, then the reamains are 'the ashes' and then they are singular

Dave

Anonymous · Answer

This is an interesting question, something I, as a native speaker, have never thought about before. When you have a fire, what's left is ash - or ashes. Either word can be used. Generally speaking, ash is used in technical or scientific situations (or when grim or unpleasant imagery is desired), and ashes in more familiar and literary situations. For example:

He wanted his ashes scattered over the ocean. (Ashes is the word used in this situation. Ash is grammatical, but sounds rather harsh for such a solemn situation.)

Volcanic ash covered the city. (Ash is the word used in this situation, which is more on the technical and scientific side.)

After the fire, only ash was left. (Ash would typically be used here, a more technical type of situation.)

My childhood home burned down leaving only ashes. (Ashes sounds more literary and familiar and would be used in this situation.)

Park regulations to prevent forest fires require that campfires be thoroughly extinguished with water, and the ashes stirred until there is no evidence of any remaining sparks. (Ashes is used here rather than ash. Camping evokes pleasant childhood memories.)

Ashes, ashes, we all fall down. (A childhood rhyme.)

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. (Literary usage.)

It all came down to smoking ash. (Unpleasant imagery.)

Fivejedjon · Answer

dave_anonHowever, when a person is cremated, then the reamains are 'the ashes' and then they are singular

They are plural.

Dave_anon · Answer

Dead Right. I'll give you that one

Dave

Ash and ashes

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions