ความคิดเห็นที่ 33
Extending K. Nut 305's comments in 8 further, I would say that the distinction between count nouns and mass nouns (i.e. non-count) is somewhat blurred in a lot of cases. Many nouns may be used equally well either as count nouns (for "bounded entities") or mass nouns (for unbounded material or concept). E.g. stone, coconut, and conviction below: He found three stones. (count the stones by pieces, or the "bounded entity") The figure was of stone (mass; you only talk about the "substance") There were coconuts everywhere on the beach (count, same reason as "stones") The worshippers bought coconut for their offerings. (mass) He acted in accordance with his convictions (count) It appeared to be the result of blind conviction (mass) Many nouns that primarily behave like count nouns are sometimes used as mass nouns, and vice versa: Everyting was gloomy under a low ceiling of grey "cloud" (mass) One black sock had saggedto reveal a section of bare "leg" (mass, no article) There was enough "moon" (mass, no article) outside. This is actually "an excellent wine" (count, with an article) Over the year, she did me many kindnesses (count, plural) If you ask me how we know when to use which form, the answers are: - if you emphasize the "material character" or "concept" of the referent, rather than the referent as a bounded entity, then it's a mass noun (as in "there was enough moon", which means "there was enough "moonlight". Here you emphasize the "material character" of the moon, and not thinking of it as a planet) - when typical mass nouns are used like count nouns, they denote "instances" of the non-countable entity: "many kindnesses" is equal to "many acts of kindess". Hope this helps.
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texasprofessor (krisdauw)
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29 ก.พ. 51 15:31:00
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