Questions about singular vs plural

[englishstudent]

Hi,


1. I like apples.
2. I like apple.

Of the 2 sentences, I think the first one is correct. I don't
know the reason though.
Am I right?

From a book:
"Are you ready to eat? We have hot dogs and watermelon in the yard."

In the above sentences, should it be "watermelons"?
If not, could you please tell me the reason why it is ok
to use the singular form?

Thanks

[Casiopea]

1. I like apples (in general)
2. I like apple pie, green apples, etc.

"Are you ready to eat? We have hot dogs and watermelon in the yard."

Slices or wedges: We have watermelon (non-count noun).
Whole melons: We have watermelons (count noun).

[englishstudent]

Thanks for the clarification.

How about the word "meal"?
Should it be used as singular or plural?

- I have just had a meal.
- I have just had meals.

Thanks

[Mags]

meals is plural

eg You and your friend has a meal together
We had some meals on the train whilst travelling
We had two meals today ( Meaning 2 meals)

[englishstudent]

Thanks Mags.

If I have just had lunch, can I say
"I have just had a meal"?

[englishstudent]

Slices or wedges: We have watermelon (non-count noun).
Whole melons: We have watermelons (count noun).

Is it ok to use a non-count noun WITHOUT "some" or "any"?

We have (some) watermelon.
Do you have (any) watermelon?

Thanks

[Casiopea]

Is it ok to use a non-count noun WITHOUT "some" or "any"?

We have watermelon. (OK)
Do you have watermelons? (OK)
Do you have watermelon flavor? (OK)

If I have just had lunch, can I say
"I have just had a meal"?

Yes. Lunch is a meal, one meal.

[englishstudent]

We have watermelon. (OK)
Do you have watermelons? (OK)
Do you have watermelon flavor? (OK)
Yes. Lunch is a meal, one meal.

Thanks for the clarification Casiopea.

My question about "some" or "any" watermelon
was in the context of the text from the book
that i quoted in my earlier message.
"Are you ready to eat? We have hot dogs and watermelon in the yard."

If the person simply said "We have hot dogs"
then how can I ask if there is any watermelon.
"Do you have some/any watermelon"
Or does it sound strange?

Or, if I ask "do you have anything else"
and the guy says "We have some watermelon"
is that correct?

[Casiopea]

how can I ask if there is any watermelon.

Do you have any watermelon? or Do you have anything else?, and the guy says, "We have (some) watermelon." Note, 'some' is optional in that context.

[englishstudent]

Do you have any watermelon? or Do you have anything else?, and the guy says, "We have (some) watermelon." Note, 'some' is optional in that context.

From this and prior messages i infer that
for non-count nouns you may sometimes
use 'some' or 'any'.

Thanks Casiopea.