Is the word 'slang' countable?

Question

Hi there,Is the word 'slang' countable?  It shows in newspaper either as in '... English slangs' or '... English slang'. If it can be used both as countable noun and uncountable noun, is there any difference in meaning?For example:1. 'All roads lead to Rome' is one of English slangs(countable).2. 'All roads lead to Rome' is a English slang(countable). 3. 'All roads lead to Rome' is a piece of English slang(uncoutable). Which sentence is correct?When slang refers to a group concept, is it countable?as in:1. If you want to improve your English, you should learn English slangs.2. If you want to improve your English, you should learn English slang.Which sentence is correct?Thanks!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Is the word 'slang' countable? It shows in newspaper either as in '... English slangs' or '... English slang'. If it can be used both as countable noun and uncountable noun, is there any difference in meaning?

If you are talking about eg 3 English expressions, you can't call these '3 slangs'. Say '3 pieces of slang'.

But if you are talking about English slang, French slang and German slang, it would not be unacceptable to speak of these as '3 slangs', although even here you might also say '3 forms of slang'.

For example:

1. 'All roads lead to Rome' is one of English slangs(countable). No

2. 'All roads lead to Rome' is a English slang(countable). No

3. 'All roads lead to Rome' is a piece of English slang(uncoutable). OK

Which sentence is correct?

When slang refers to a group concept, it it countable?

as in:

1. If you want to improve your English, you should learn English slangs. No

2. If you want to improve your English, you should learn English slang. OK

Which sentence is correct?

Clive

Is the word 'slang' countable?

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