PLURALIA TANTUM

As many of you know nouns can be countable and uncountable, sometimes even both. However, have you heard that there are singular and plural uncountable nouns? Their differences are explained below even with some examples.

1. SINGULAR UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

• only have a singular form

• only take verbs in singular

Examples: advice, bread, furniture, hair, information, jewellery, knowledge, luggage, news, water

2. PLURAL UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS = PLURALIA TANTUM

• only have a plural form

• only take verbs in the plural

Examples: arms, binoculars, cattle, clothes, congratulations, earnings, glasses, goods, groceries, jeans, odds, pants, pliers, premises, pyjamas, regards, remains, savings, scales, scissors, shorts, surroundings, thanks, tights, trousers, valuables + ARE/WERE/HAVE BEEN…

• when something has two parts, we can use a pair of: a pair of binoculars, scissors, jeans, etc.

CLOTHES: My clothes are dirty. I need to wash them.

If you want to talk about one shirt, one T-shirt, you say a piece of clothing / an item of clothing

--> clothing /ˈkləʊðɪŋ/ - an uncountable noun

PREMISES

= buildings, land (plural uncountable) Our company is moving to new premises next month.

= a premise = a principle or statement you consider to be true (countable noun, formal)

If you are unsure what to use, it is always better to check with a dictionary. If there is something you would like to discuss or contribute with your comment, please feel free. You can also join me in lessons or courses.

EXERCISE: Choose the correct words to complete the sentences.

a) This / These pair of shoes is / are too tight, so I won't buy it / them.

b) That / Those sunglasses is / are too expensive, so I won't take it / them.

c) This / These jeans is / are too long for me, so I won’t keep it / them.

d) That / Those gloves is / are warmer, I'll put it / them on.

Good luck!

On offer!

TEREZA