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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

noun in plural

Hi,

I have this word "persecution" and in a dictionary it is noted as an uncountable noun and a noun in plural -- and thus, it has a notation noting its plural form as "persecutions." Does that mean we can use the phrase "a persecution"? I think not. Then, why a plural form is permitted when its singular form is not?
  

Top answer

I think you can: "There was a widespread persecution of Jews during the Holocaust". As for the plural, it would be hard to find an example: "The separate persecutions of Jews during the Holocaust and Armenians during World War I", indicating two separate persecution events. The second statement sounds a bit odd but I don't see why it wouldn't be correct.

— A Cornish Pasty

  • I think you can: "There was a widespread persecution of Jews during the Holocaust".
  • As for the plural, it would be hard to find an example: "The separate persecutions of Jews during the Holocaust and Armenians during World War I", indicating two separate persecution events.
  • The second statement sounds a bit odd but I don't see why it wouldn't be correct.
  • Perhaps another forum member could explain it a bit better.
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2 Answers
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I think you can: "There was a widespread persecution of Jews during the Holocaust".

As for the plural, it would be hard to find an example: "The separate persecutions of Jews during the Holocaust and Armenians during World War I", indicating two separate persecution events.

The second statement sounds a bit odd but I don't see why it wouldn't be correct.

Perhaps another
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You said it just the way I would understand it - distinct occassions/instances of persecution.
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