near the mountain/mountains?

[WUKEN]

Hello, teachers:
Could you please tell me which is right and idiomatic?
1. The school is near the mountains.
2.The school is near the mountain.

I am unclear the difference.
May I have your clarification?
Thanks a lot!

[svartnik]

Hello, teachers:
Could you please tell me which is right and idiomatic?
1. The school is near the mountains.
2.The school is near the mountain.

I am unclear the difference.
May I have your clarification?
Thanks a lot!

Both are fine. 'mountains' suggests a chain or series of mountains that you can see at Mecsek, for example.

MEcsek, the place where I live:
http://www.szallas.net/manfa/obvolgy.jpg
http://www.kovacsszenaja-apartman.hu.../zsongorko.jpg

[engee30]

Hello, teachers:
Could you please tell me which is right and idiomatic?
1. The school is near the mountains.
2.The school is near the mountain.

I am unclear the difference.
May I have your clarification?
Thanks a lot!

Sentence #1 would normally be said when you were referring to a school located near the mountains (possibly not in the mountains).
Sentence #2 would be used when referring to a school located near a particular mountain, whether near the mountains or in the mountains.