Work(s) - Uncountable/Countable

Question

I know that word "work" is mostly used as uncountable when we don't speak of any masterpieces like paintings, poems etc. But is this rule applied to technical documentation? For example, can i say workS in the following sentence: Within this contract works on software development were performed. Here works means that separate different actions were performed to achieve the result.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

No, you can't.

When I used to do this kind of work, we spoke of 'tasks'.

eg ~~Within~~ Under this contract ,various software development tasks were performed.

Best wishes, Clive

Cool Breeze · Answer

Hi Clive

My ear agrees with yours. However, I have often seen the plural works used in England in cases where I would have preferred work. Here's [url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/regional/Rail-disruption-worksarticle-624041-details/article.html]an example.[/url] Works often occurs on signs in England. I wonder if this usage is common in Canada?

Ministry of Public Works is also a common term.

CB

Clive · Answer

Hi,

However, I have often seen the plural works used in England in cases where I would have preferred work. I don't remember that from when I lived in England years ago. Maybe usage has changed?

Here's an example. Seems strange to me. I note that the word 'works' apears in the headline, but not in the text, which refers to a 'project'. Headline writers need to be subjected to an English test.

Works often occurs on signs in England. I wonder if this usage is common in Canada? No.

Ministry of Public Works is also a common term. It's a traditional name, as you probably know. And not common in my conversation!

Best wishes, Clive

Pter · Answer

"Works" is used by the UK government, especially in the names of the government departments

e.g.
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22)
Transport and Works Act

see also
http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2395

Same in Australia, e.g.
Department of Public Works
Code of Practice for Works

and Canada, e.g.

Public Works and Government Services Canada
http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/comm/index-eng.html

I'm not sure, but I won't be surprised to see "works" in the contracts of the Works Departments.

Yoong Liat · Answer

Works are activities such as digging the ground or building on a large scale.
...six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.

(Collins Cobuild)

Optilang · Answer

Hi

Works can also refer to a place of work - such as the steel works.

Cwtch · Answer

Ptere.g.
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22)
Transport and Works Act

We have similar names in the US, The Works Progress Administration. However, anything the government does is suspect.

Work(s) - Uncountable/Countable

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