November 07, 2023
Nouns and Plurals
The following can present tricky situations on your examination so I decided to give you a quick review of nouns and plurals.
Below you will find areas that are often tested and if you’re not extra careful, they can cost you some valuable points.
Also, if you’re interested in some last minute test advice that I usually give my students before the exam, there is a link down below that will benefit you.
Ready to review NOUNS and PLURALS?
Here we go….
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Their furniture
is very stylish. [Also singular: advice, baggage,
machinery, jewellery]
[NOT:
their furnitures are…]
Only three pieces of furniture
were damaged in the fire.
The love of money is the root of all evil.
[NOT: Money are…]
Have the police solved the murder yet?
[NOT: Has the police…]
The information you gave me was much
appreciated.
[NOT: The informations…… were…]
Your hair looks really
nice today.
[NOT: Your hairs look…]
It’s often been said that no
news is good news.
[NOT: No news are…]
Fish is good food.
[NOT: Fish are… or fishes are…]
Where are my jeans/slacks/pants?
[NOT: Where is my jeans/slacks/pants?]
That is a nice pair of jeans
you’re wearing.
[ALSO: shorts, swimming trunks, tights,
trousers]
*[CAREFUL: Those are nice shorts]
Crossroads is an old
song by Robert Johnson.
[NOT: Crossroads are…]
*[CAREFUL: The crossroads are on the outskirts of
town.]
*Tricky words and combinations.
Why were
you delayed at customs
?
Damages were paid to the victim’s family.
Where are the goods I
ordered?
The outskirts of town can be dangerous at times.
Spirits
(alcoholic beverages) are taxed more than tobacco is.
These are
very comfortable surroundings
.
These
premises are protected by a large guard
dog.
Sometimes my earnings don’t seem to cover my expenses.
UNCOUNTABLE: [anarchy, behavior, chaos, damage, evidence, excitement, fun, help, knowledge, luck, equipment, permission, propaganda, progress, seaside, shopping, traffic, weather]
I need
some
assistance.
[NOT: an assistance]
It’s hard to find work these
days.
[NOT: a work…]
Words that look plural but take singular verbs:
Some
people think physics is
difficult. [gymnastics, billiards, mathematics, etc.]
[NOT: physics
are…]
COLLECTIVE NOUNS: [audience, class, crew, crowd, enemy, family, government, public, team, jury, committee, etc.]
The
audience is quite large
for a Monday evening.
[NOT: The audience are]
My
brother-in-law
is a teacher.
My
brothers-in-law are both
short.
*My
brother-in-law’s job is very rewarding.
A passer-by was
injured in the accident.
Several
passers-by witnessed the
assault.
Four
hundred people attended the seminar.
[NOT: Four
hundreds…]
[CAREFUL: Hundreds of fans welcomed the team at the
airport.
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Well, I hope the above helps you on your exam. It pays to review those areas that are unclear before you take your test.
Remember, every point helps!
Below you will find links to other resources that may interest you including my book, “Writing Proficiently.”
http://www.union.edu.gr/biblirarakia/saleswpnew.htm
For last minute test advice check out the link below
http://www.michigan-proficiency-exams.com/Michigan_TIPS-last-minute-test-advice.html
Teaching + Inspiration + Practice = Success
Good learning everyone!
Till next time…
Todd
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