Countable and non-countable nouns.

We all use them even though they may be used incorrectly.

Countable nouns are words to describe things that can be counted; Like, people, chairs, pencils ( 3 people, 7 chairs, 6 pencils etc.)

NON countable nouns can't (shouldn't) be counted; Usually liquids, sand, air, water, gravel, coffee, (You can count the containers they come in
however. Cups of coffee.

It also has to do with the modifying words used to describe them: more, less, fewer etc.

Something to think about when you're not only speaking but even more so when writing.

Agree ?
 

I'm guilty!

I think that my English teacher called it the ambiguity of modification, not sure.

The one I usually think of is. I stopped for a couple of beers with the boys.

Were the servings of beer, bottles, mugs, kegs, etc...
 
Agree Falcon! I always felt funny hearing and saying; "I'll have 2 coffees, please", or "I'm getting a coffee". It never sounded right to my mind but I don't remember specifically learning this in school.
 

Cannot some nouns be both 'countable' and 'non-countable'? The example of "2 coffees" comes to mind. If you are asking for two cups of coffee, that would be incorrect usage. However, if you were asking for an Arabica coffee and a Columbian coffee... asking for a caffeinated coffee and a decaffeinated coffee would it not be correct to use the '2 coffees' term?
 
GOM, What ARE "coffees" ? I never heard of them.
I've heard of CUPS OF COFFEE, but never "coffees".

Maybe it's a new word.

If I have Arabica coffee in my cupboard and Columbian coffee in my cupboard, I have two different coffees. If I order more than one cup of coffee, perhaps I would order 2 cups of coffee or 3 cups of coffee. Now, if telling a room full of guests that I have a wide selection of coffees for them... Columbian, Arabica, caffeinated, decaffeinated, Hazelnut, etc... would that not make coffee(s) plural?

I most certainly may be incorrect in my suggestion there are 'coffees'. Over the years I have acquired a taste for a couple different kinds of coffee and a dislike for a number of other coffees. :>) Is one use correct and the other incorrect???
 
GOM, What ARE "coffees" ? I never heard of them.
I've heard of CUPS OF COFFEE, but never "coffees".
Maybe it's a new word.

Apparently people don't have time in today's world to say, or type, any more words than absolutely necessary. So "cup of coffee" becomes just "coffee." "Falcon you are so funny" becomes "lol." I guess we have to let go of our old-fashioned way of speaking and get with it.
 


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