0
Michi2000 Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

buying food and drink(s)

A chapter in our textbook is called 'buying food and drink' I thought the plural should be used Emotion: drinks. Which is correct?
  

Top answer

Basically or traditionally, "drink" is an uncountable noun, and "food and drink" is a kind of idiomatic phrase. In the United Kingdom, indeed, they say "food and drink" rather than "food and drinks". In the United States, however, we can hear "food and drinks" oftener than "food and drink".

— Paco2004

  • Basically or traditionally, "drink" is an uncountable noun, and "food and drink" is a kind of idiomatic phrase.
  • In the United Kingdom, indeed, they say "food and drink" rather than "food and drinks".
  • In the United States, however, we can hear "food and drinks" oftener than "food and drink".
  • paco
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
Basically or traditionally, "drink" is an uncountable noun, and "food and drink" is a kind of idiomatic phrase. In the United Kingdom, indeed, they say "food and drink" rather than "food and drinks". In the United States, however, we can hear "food and drinks" oftener than "food and drink".

paco
0
0
Hi Michi,

Welcome to the Forum.

'Drink' is one of those words that can be used as both count and non-count. Here, it's used in a general, non-specific way. You could actually say either here, but the plural would make this title more specific.

Best wishes, Clive
0

Related Questions