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Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
uncountable in plural?
Hi,
I found this sentence when I was looking at one of my favorite dictionaries and am wondering if it is showing an instance where an uncounble noun being transformed to exhibit a quality of the countable noun which is being plural. The uncountable noun is 'oil'.
It is used to make oils.
I found this sentence when I was looking at one of my favorite dictionaries and am wondering if it is showing an instance where an uncounble noun being transformed to exhibit a quality of the countable noun which is being plural. The uncountable noun is 'oil'.
It is used to make oils.
Top answer
Hi Believer If you check the Cambridge Dictionary (for example), you'll see that the word 'oil' can be both countable and uncountable. In your sentence (without more context), I'd understand that 'it' is used to make various different types of oil.
- Hi Believer If you check the Cambridge Dictionary (for example), you'll see that the word 'oil' can be both countable and uncountable.
- In your sentence (without more context), I'd understand that 'it' is used to make various different types of oil.
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9 Answers
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Hi Believer
If you check the Cambridge Dictionary (for example), you'll see that the word 'oil' can be both countable and uncountable.
In your sentence (without more context), I'd understand that 'it' is used to make various different types of oil.
If you check the Cambridge Dictionary (for example), you'll see that the word 'oil' can be both countable and uncountable.
In your sentence (without more context), I'd understand that 'it' is used to make various different types of oil.
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'Oil', meaning 'a smooth thick liquid that is used as a fuel and for making the parts of machines move smoothly' is a mass noun.
'Oils' are oil paintings.
'Oils' are oil paintings.
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Hi guys,
I agree with Yankee that the word can be used to mean different types of oil.
If you google for 'oils', you'll find 42 million hits, and the vast majority will have nothing to do with paintings.
I agree with Yankee that the word can be used to mean different types of oil.
If you google for 'oils', you'll find 42 million hits, and the vast majority will have nothing to do with paintings.
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Believer wrote: It is used to make oils.
Accordingly to Collins Cobuild English Dictionay for Advanced Learners, 'oils' means 'oil paintings'. Therefore I believe the word 'oils' in the above sentence should be 'oil'.
Accordingly to Collins Cobuild English Dictionay for Advanced Learners, 'oils' means 'oil paintings'. Therefore I believe the word 'oils' in the above sentence should be 'oil'.
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Yoong Liatnot necessarily. "oils" are the paints that are used to make, or paint, oil paintings. "Oils" can also be essential oils for use in aromatherapy.
'Oils' are oil paintings.
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BelieverHow about "experience" as an e
Hi,
I found this sentence when I was looking at one of my favorite dictionaries and am wondering if it is showing an instance where an uncounble noun being transformed to exhibit a quality of the countable noun which is being plural. The uncountable noun is 'oil'.
It is used to make oils.
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Hi Believer
I think you should give us more information relating to the sentence from your dictionary so that we can have a clearer picture of what the sentence is all about.
I think you should give us more information relating to the sentence from your dictionary so that we can have a clearer picture of what the sentence is all about.
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Hi Yoong Liat 
The plural usage (oils) really isn't that unusual. Just look at some of the sentences Google easily turne
The plural usage (oils) really isn't that unusual. Just look at some of the sentences Google easily turne
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Hi Yankee
I've made use of the wrong definitions: 'Oil' means 'a smooth thick liquid that is used as a fuel and for making the parts of machines move smoothly' is a mass noun, and the other definition: 'Oils' are old paintings.
The definition of 'oils' as stated by you is the one that is relevant to the issue.
I'm convinced that you're right and the sentence quoted by Be
I've made use of the wrong definitions: 'Oil' means 'a smooth thick liquid that is used as a fuel and for making the parts of machines move smoothly' is a mass noun, and the other definition: 'Oils' are old paintings.
The definition of 'oils' as stated by you is the one that is relevant to the issue.
I'm convinced that you're right and the sentence quoted by Be
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