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Myeung Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Countable vs uncountable noun
Sometime I cannot distinguish between countable and uncountable noun.
For example, “invention”, it is either a countable or uncountable noun. But, I cannot know how we can count the invention in my life.
And also, I just memorize the word whether it is counted or not. So, can anyone suggest me how to distinguish between them? thx
For example, “invention”, it is either a countable or uncountable noun. But, I cannot know how we can count the invention in my life.
And also, I just memorize the word whether it is counted or not. So, can anyone suggest me how to distinguish between them? thx
Top answer
Hi, There's no rule of thumb that will allow you to know beforehand whether a noun is countable or otherwise. To make matters worse, there are a great many nouns in English that can be countable with one meaning and uncountable with another, this can be a real pain in the rear end . The only way about this is to learn whether a noun is counatble or not.
- Hi, There's no rule of thumb that will allow you to know beforehand whether a noun is countable or otherwise.
- To make matters worse, there are a great many nouns in English that can be countable with one meaning and uncountable with another, this can be a real pain in the rear end .
- The only way about this is to learn whether a noun is counatble or not.
- You can use this online dictionary that provides thorough information on nouns / Whenever in doubt, I use it to be clear on usages of nouns.
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3 Answers
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Hi, There's no rule of thumb that will allow you to know beforehand whether a noun is countable or otherwise. To make matters worse, there are a great many nouns in English that can be countable with one meaning and uncountable with another, this can be a real pain in the rear end
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thx MrP
For me, memorizing is the only way to distinguish between countable and uncountable when I check it out by dictionary. But I will not recognize the word when I meet next time. How come?
For me, memorizing is the only way to distinguish between countable and uncountable when I check it out by dictionary. But I will not recognize the word when I meet next time. How come?
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Hi Myeung
Can you say 'one invention'? Since it is possible, it is a countable noun.
Can you say 'one money'? Since it is wrong to say so, it is an uncountable noun.
Can you say 'one invention'? Since it is possible, it is a countable noun.
Can you say 'one money'? Since it is wrong to say so, it is an uncountable noun.
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