Value is a countable noun in terms of principles?
Almost all English dictionaries say that "value" must (or usually should) be in plural when you refer to principles or standards. The weird thing is that they don't simply tell you that "value" is countable when it has the meaning of "principle". I guess this is because in daily life, native people seldom use the singular form of "value" when they refer to corporate values, social values, etc. "value" is only countable in grammar. But I'm not a native speaker and i'm not sure of that.
So, when will you people use the singular form of "value" when it come to the meaning of principle or standard? I only know that you say "value system" instead of "values system". I don't know if you say "Devotion is a value of the company." or "Devotion is one of the values of the company." or something else.
Top answer
You have a point - 'value' would sound peculiar when you refer to 'corporate value' or suchlike. However, this is because there is always more than one principle that drives a business or organisation (or individual, of course). Also, because 'value' can mean 'the financial worth of the company', there could easily be confusion.
- You have a point - 'value' would sound peculiar when you refer to 'corporate value' or suchlike.
- However, this is because there is always more than one principle that drives a business or organisation (or individual, of course).
- Also, because 'value' can mean 'the financial worth of the company', there could easily be confusion.
- Should you wish to explain about just one of these values, then it's okay to refer to it in the singular, just like any other countable noun.
- 'Loyalty to staff is a key value of this company' is perfectly natural as you are dealing with one of the many values that a company has.
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You have a point - 'value' would sound peculiar when you refer to 'corporate value' or suchlike. However, this is because there is always more than one principle that drives a business or organisation (or individual, of course). Also, because 'value' can mean 'the financial worth of the company', there could easily be confusion. Should you wish to explain about just one of these values, the
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