Them and it

[Ju]

I have some toast. I want to eat them.

Can I replace "them" by "it" since toast is uncountable?

 

[Rover_KE]

You must change 'them' to 'it'.

 

[Ju]

You must change 'them' to 'it'.

I have some candies. I want to eat them.

"Candies" is countable. So I use "them" instead of"it". Am I right?

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I have some pieces of toast. I want to eat them. . . .

And if you use the countable word pieces, then you can use them.

 

[Tarheel]

I have some candies. I want to eat them.

"Candies" is countable. So I use "them" instead of"it". Am I right?

More likely:

I have some candy. I want to eat it.

Or:

I have some candy. I want to eat some.

I might say:

I have some chocolate milk. I am going to drink it.

Also

I have some medicine. I am going to take it.

I have some pills. I am going to take them.

 

[Ju]

More likely:

I have some candy. I want to eat it.

Or:

I have some candy. I want to eat some.

Why do you use 'candy' instead of 'candies'?

 

[emsr2d2]

In AmE, "candy" can be a general term covering all sorts of sweet confectionery items, including chocolate. It's not used that way in BrE. In the original, if the speaker is talking about a collection of different confectionery items, the uncountable "candy" is appropriate.

 

[Tarheel]

Why do you use 'candy' instead of 'candies'?

Because the word candy is not considered a count noun in my area (USA). (It can be, but it usually isn't.) When I go the store I might buy a candy bar. Several items might be referred to as candy.

In British English candies is more likely. However, that word doesn't come natural to me. (A count noun I might use is treats.)

Does that help?

 

[Ju]

Because the word candy is not considered a count noun in my area (USA). (It can be, but it usually isn't.) When I go the store I might buy a candy bar. Several items might be referred to as candy.

In British English candies is more likely. However, that word doesn't come natural to me. (A count noun I might use is treats.)

Does that help?

Yes

 

[Rover_KE]

In British English candies is more likely.

No, it isn't. As emsr2d2 almost said, 'candies' isn't used at all in BrE.

These are sweets, sweeties or toffees.

We only use 'candy' in 'candy floss' (AmE cotton candy), 'candy canes', 'cough candy' (medicated or herbal sweets to soothe the throat) and 'candy-striped' dress material.

 

[Ju]

It means that it's wrong to use "candies" in all situation. Am I right?

 

[emsr2d2]

It means that it's wrong to use "candies" in all situations. Am I right?

Just don't use it in BrE.

 

[Tarheel]

I misremembered what was said by one of the British members. (I reread post #4. Now I know better.)