[Vocabulary] Grain or grains

Status
Not open for further replies.

florin1990

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Romanian
Home Country
Romania
Current Location
Romania
Hello, could anyone please tell me if it is correct both forms or just 'Grain'?

Thank you!
 

bhaisahab

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
It depends on context.
 

florin1990

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Romanian
Home Country
Romania
Current Location
Romania
In the context,' grain' was refering to cereals as a whole. something like that : '' in pots were kept grain/grains, as well as liquids''. Some time ago I encountered a similar exemple regarding the word 'root (s)' .Both forms were considered correct and I would like to know if my exemple is much the same .
Thank you!
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
In the context,' grain' was refering to cereals as a whole. something like that : '' in pots were kept grain/grains, as well as liquids''. Some time ago I encountered a similar ex[STRIKE]e[/STRIKE]ample regarding the word 'root (s)' .Both forms were considered correct and I would like to know if my exemple is much the same.
In those contexts, I'd expect 'grain' (uncountable) and 'roots' (plural). 'Grains' is possible if we are emphasising that various different kinds (wheat, bearley, rye, etc) are being kept. I don't see a context for 'root'. As far as I know, 'root' is always countable.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top