Number and countability

9 important questions on Number and countability

What are singular-only nouns and provide examples?

Some nouns exist in only one form and do not have a plural. Examples include:
  • SINGULAR-ONLY NOUNS: crockery, dross, harm, nonsense
  • news, mumps, physics

What defines plural-only nouns and list some examples?

Certain nouns have only plural forms and do not have singular versions. These include:
  • PLURAL-ONLY NOUNS: belongings, clothes, genitals, scissors
  • cattle, police

What's the difference between count and non-count nouns?

The distinction is as follows:
  • COUNT NOUNS: Can take numerals (e.g., one student, two students)
  • NON-COUNT NOUNS: Cannot take numerals (e.g., one harm, two harms)
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What are examples of count and non-count noun interpretations?

Nouns can be interpreted differently in varying contexts:
  • Count Interpretation: He pulled out a white hair.
  • Non-Count Interpretation: He has white hair.

How does subject-verb agreement function with person-number properties?

Normally, the verb agrees with the Head noun of the Subject noun phrase:
  • The dog is barking.
  • The dogs are barking.

What are measure expressions and how do they affect subject-verb agreement?

In measure expressions, a group viewed as a single entity uses singular verbs:
- Example: Two hours isn't long enough for such a job.

Explain quantificational nouns and illustrate with an example.

The verb is influenced by the embedded noun:
- A lot of people like it. (The verb agrees with "people", not "lot")

How do collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement?

Collective nouns can use both singular and plural forms:
- Example: The jury hasn't reached a decision.

What is the significance of semantically-motivated departures from subject-verb agreement?

Certain expressions can alter typical agreement rules:
  • MEASURE EXPRESSIONS: Time is treated as singular.
  • COLLECTIVE NOUNS: Can use singular or plural verb forms.

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