discussion or discussions

Status
Not open for further replies.

guoguohu

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2007
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
UK
I have been confused by the use of discussion for a long time, whether in the singular or plural form?

Can I say:

1, I am involved in discussions with Jack...
2, We had a good discussion, or We have good discussion, or we have good discussions.
 

mayita1usa

Member
Joined
May 11, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
The word discussion is just like any other noun:
1, I am involved in discussions with Jack...
This means you are having more than one discussion with Jack over a period of time.

2, We had a good discussion, or We have good discussion, or we have good discussions.
a. We had a good discussion. = We had one discussion, and it was good.
b. [STRIKE]We have good discussion.[/STRIKE] This is ungrammatical.
c. We have good discussions. = We have good discussions on a regular basis (simple present = habitual action), thus more than one discussion in total.
 

guoguohu

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2007
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
China
Current Location
UK
Thanks,mayita1usa. You reply is really appreciated.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top