behaviour

[Unregistered]

Hi there,

Does American English allow 'behaviour' countable?

Thanks
pete

 

[Barb_D]

Well, we allow "behavior" as a countable, plural noun. Not so much with "behaviour." ;-)

The monkeys displayed several surprising behaviors. The teens in the study engaged in many risky behaviors.

Google "several * behaviors" or "many * behaviors" and you'll see other examples.

 

[peter123]

Hi there,
But Longman, Oxford state that 'behaviour' is an uncoutable. why?

thanks
pete

 

[Barb_D]

Did it list only ONE definition?

The common use like "Your behavior last night was disgusting" or "I'm very proud of your excellent behavior at that long, boring dinner" is uncountable.

But the word when used in social sciences is countable, as in my examples and as in the ones you'll find if google as I suggested.

 

[NearThere]

BarbD: The common use like "Your behavior last night was disgusting" or "I'm very proud of your excellent behavior at that long, boring dinner" is uncountable.

But the word when used in social sciences is countable, as in my examples and as in the ones you'll find if google as I suggested.

I'm learning new things everyday here. Thank you very much.