[General] is 'company policy' a countable compound noun?

[sebayanpendam]

Hi,

I am confused about the answer for question 24. The correct answer given was 'against' and I thought the same as well. But, what threw me off was 'company policy' because I thought it was countable and the answer I gave was 'the' and it is wrong (of course). So, is 'company policy' uncountable? It is not homework but I am doing self-practice English.

"(23)......modern standards, the company operates with an amazing lack of bureaucracy. In fact, it is completely (24) ....... company policy to write memos, and meetings can (25) .......... take place when there is something (26)...... importance to discuss. "

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Yes, the noun policy is countable.

But it does not need an article when it's an adjective. (A teacher might be able to explain that better.)

What do 23 and 25 mean?

 

[5jj]

Yes, the noun policy is countable.

It can be uncountable in this sense.

But it does not need an article when it's an adjective.

I have never encountered 'policy' as an adjective.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, policy is an uncountable noun here. The phrase company policy is a compound noun, made up of two nouns.

 

[Tdol]

Countable nouns can often be used uncountably, vice versa- they are not absolute categories.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

It can be uncountable in this sense.

I have never encountered 'policy' as an adjective.

I looked it up on the Merriam-Webster site and a couple of others, and it seemed to fit. But I had doubts, which you're reinforcing.

Seba, I'm not a teacher.