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Nathan Bolos Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
I like apples vs I like watermelon.
When asked the question. What do you like, you could reply "I like apples" (adding the s). But at the same time replying, "I like watermelon" (no s) would also be correct.
Why is it that "I like apple" would not be a correct answer, where as "I like watermelon" is.
I understand that a watermelon as a whole is countable, so you can say, 1 watermelon, 2 watermelons etc; but when you slice it up, the individual slices that it produces are now uncountable. You need to add a measure word to count them, a piece of watermelon, slice of watermelon etc.
Now couldn't you say the same about apples? An apple as a whole is countable, and apples that are in slices are uncountable?
So if the same countable / uncountable rules apply to them both, why is it acceptable to say "I like watermelon" (no s) but it isn't acceptable to say "I like apple" (no s).
Why is it that "I like apple" would not be a correct answer, where as "I like watermelon" is.
I understand that a watermelon as a whole is countable, so you can say, 1 watermelon, 2 watermelons etc; but when you slice it up, the individual slices that it produces are now uncountable. You need to add a measure word to count them, a piece of watermelon, slice of watermelon etc.
Now couldn't you say the same about apples? An apple as a whole is countable, and apples that are in slices are uncountable?
So if the same countable / uncountable rules apply to them both, why is it acceptable to say "I like watermelon" (no s) but it isn't acceptable to say "I like apple" (no s).
Top answer
"I like watermelon" is more likely than "I like apple" because a watermelon is a much bigger thing. You are unlikely to eat a whole one at once, and therefore, in the context of eating, it is more likely to be viewed as a "substance" than a countable entity.
- "I like watermelon" is more likely than "I like apple" because a watermelon is a much bigger thing.
- You are unlikely to eat a whole one at once, and therefore, in the context of eating, it is more likely to be viewed as a "substance" than a countable entity.
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1 Answers
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"I like watermelon" is more likely than "I like apple" because a watermelon is a much bigger thing. You are unlikely to eat a whole one at once, and therefore, in the context of eating, it is more likely to be viewed as a "substance" than a countable entity.
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