Counting candy

[HaraKiriBlade]

Hi,

My professor told me a few weeks ago that the word 'candy' is an uncountable noun. I've always thought candy could be counted, as in one candy, two candies, three candies and so on.

Now that I know I can't pluralize it, how do I count candy? I know with mass nouns you use partitives like piece, slice, loaf, pint, cup, and so on. Do you use 'piece' for candy? I've never heard anyone say 'two pieces of candy'.

- HKB

[pyoung]

Hi,

My professor told me a few weeks ago that the word 'candy' is an uncountable noun. I've always thought candy could be counted, as in one candy, two candies, three candies and so on.

Now that I know I can't pluralize it, how do I count candy? I know with mass nouns you use partitives like piece, slice, loaf, pint, cup, and so on. Do you use 'piece' for candy? I've never heard anyone say 'two pieces of candy'.

- HKB

Candy can sometimes be countable:

The display of candies (or: candy) in the shop was tempting.

The kids brought their Halloween candy to school.

Those little elf candies are really cute.

Would you like a piece of candy?

I'll trade you all my candy for that comic book.

The company specialized in elegant boxed candy (or candies).

I hope this is helpful,

Petra