[Grammar] read a map/maps

[kadioguy]

Do you know how to read a map (=understand the information it gives)?

https://showmeword.com/definition/english_word/map

“Can you find where we are on the map?” “Sorry: I'm no good at reading maps.”

https://learnersdictionary.com/definition/map

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The first "map" is in the singular whereas the second in the plural. I don't know why.

How can we choose from the two patterns in English?

Do (a) and (b), and (c) and (d), mean the same? Can I use either one of the two pairs?

a. Do you know how to read a map?

b. Do you know how to read maps?

c. Sorry: I'm no good at reading a map.

d. Sorry: I'm no good at reading maps.

 

[Rover_KE]

They mean the same to me, though I've a slight preference to b and d.

 

[teechar]

I agree that they mean the same and that we typically use the plural when we're talking about something in general. However sometimes, it's more natural to use one and not the other. Consider:

Do you know how to boil a potato?
Do you know how to boil potatoes?
While both are correct, the second sounds better, because we typically boil more than one potato.

Do you know how to boil a chicken?
Do you know how to boil chickens?
Here, while both are correct, the first sounds better, because we typically boil just one chicken.

 

[emsr2d2]

They mean the same to me, though I've a slight preference to b and d.

Interestingly (to me at least), I have a slight preference for a and c.

 

[PeterCW]

Claiming the benefit of a degree in geography I prefer a but would say "you are no good at map reading" rather than "reading maps".