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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

benefits or benefit

Hi all,

Can you explain the difference between "benefits" and "benefit"? I see this question in a book:

Q: What is the company's policy on ----- for part-time workers?

The answer is "benefit" but I don't understand why. I think it should be "benefits". I've looked it up in dictionary and it says that "on benefits (= receiving benefits)". Link: http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/benefit_1?q=benefit

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

" [mass noun - used in the singular] In the above context, meaning #1 would make the sentence unnatural. Therefore, meaning #2 is the right one.

— Teechr

  • " [mass noun - used in the singular] In the above context, meaning #1 would make the sentence unnatural.
  • Therefore, meaning #2 is the right one.
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2 Answers
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As a noun, "benefit" can mean:
1- "advantage" [countable noun - plural: "benefits"] or
2- "payment from the state." [mass noun - used in the singular]
In the above context, meaning #1 would make the sentence unnatural. Therefore, meaning #2 is the right one.
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I think the company is far more likely to have a policy on 'benefits' (staff discounts, leave entitlement, luncheon vouchers, subsidised travel, etc) than on state payments.
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