Definition and Examples of Mass Nouns in English

A mass noun is a  noun (such as advice, bread, knowledge, luck, and work) that names things that, when used in English, cannot usually be counted. A mass noun (also known as a noncount noun) is generally used only in the singular. Many abstract nouns are uncountable, but not all uncountable nouns are abstract. The contrasting term is known as a  count noun. Examples and Observations Fun does not have a size.(Bart Simpson in The Simpsons, 2001)Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.(Albert Einstein)Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.(Eugene ONeill)After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.(Aldous Huxley)I seek constantly to improve my manners and graces, for they are the sugar to which all are attracted.(Og Mandino) Double Duty: Count Nouns and Mass Nouns James R. Hurford, Grammar: A Students Guide Some nouns can serve as both count and mass nouns. The noun war is an example. In war is ghastly, war is a mass noun, whereas in the wars between Rome and Carthage were ruinous, war is used as a count noun. Unusual Plurals R.L. Trask,  Mind the Gaffe! English nouns denoting things that cannot be counted, such as wine, coffee, and intelligence, do not easily form plurals in their central senses. Some of them, however, can be pluralized when they have transferred senses, such as varieties (Rhone wines), measures (four coffees), or embodiments (alien intelligences). You should not overuse such unusual plurals, however, since they can easily become pretentious, as they do in those silly signs announcing  ice creams and hair stylings. Distinctions Between Count Nouns and Mass Nouns Edward J. Wisniewski, On Using Count Nouns, Mass Nouns, and Pluralia Tantum: What Counts? Is there a conceptual basis for the grammatical distinction between count nouns and mass nouns? One answer is that this grammatical distinction is, to a very large degree, semantically opaque and unprincipled... In general, people learn which nouns are typically used as count nouns and which are typically used as mass nouns without any understanding of why these differences in syntax occur. Another answer is that the grammatical distinction between count and mass nouns is to a very large degree conceptually based. That is when speakers use count nouns to refer to things they implicitly have something in mind that they are trying to communicate that is common across all uses of count nouns. A similar view applies to the use of mass nouns. A third answer and the one that I propose is that the count-mass noun distinction is to a very large degree conceptually based, but there are exceptions. Some exceptions do not seem to have a clear explanation, but others may occur because of competi ng communicative functions of language. The Lighter Side of Mass Nouns Robin Sloan, Mr. Penumbras 24-Hour Bookstore Hi there, I say. Let me ask you a question. She giggles and nods. How would you find a needle in a haystack? The first-grader pauses, pensive, tugging on the green yarn around her neck. Shes really thinking this over. Tiny gears are turning; shes twisting her fingers together, pondering. Its cute. Finally, she looks up and says gravely, I would ask the hays to find it. Then she makes a quiet banshee whine and bounces away on one foot... Its so simple. Of course, of course. The first-grader is right. Its easy to find a needle in a haystack! Ask the hays to find it! Sources Hurford, James R. Grammar: A Students Guide. Cambridge University Press, November 25, 1994. Sloan, Robin. Mr. Penumbras 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel. Paperback, Picador, September 24, 2013. Trask, R. L. Mind the Gaffe!: A Troubleshooters Guide to English Style and Usage. Harper Perennial, November 21, 2006. Wisniewski, Edward J. On Using Count Nouns, Mass Nouns, and Pluralia Tantum: What Counts? Things and Stuff: Mass Terms and Generics (New Directions in Cognitive Science), Oxford University Press, 2010.

Research Proposal - 2778 Words

Research Proposal Ââ€" Employee Smoking Break May 12th, 2007 Individuals have different personalities, habits, beliefs and social concepts. People carry these traits into an organizational setting while conforming to the rules and regulations established by the organization. Certain personal habits such as smoking, or religious beliefs such as taking time to pray at work may cause conflict in the workplace if such practices are in the minority. In the past, cigarette smoking was a fashionable habit; however, in the US Surgeon General declared in 1964, that smoking is hazardous to ones health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2006). In an effort to discourage people from smoking and prevent passive smoking, many†¦show more content†¦According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employee tobacco use cost U.S. companies an estimated $167 billion each year in lost productivity and direct medical costs (CDC, 2007). Free Clear is an organization that helps business and the government measure, improve the health, and productivity of employees. Free Clear conducted a study for Boeing Company with 150,000 employees. The study revealed that the average tobacco user costs his or her employer more that $6,000 per year in lost productivity associated with smoking breaks, additional sick days and excess medical expenditures. Approximately 20% of Boeing employees smoke; therefore, the annual impact of smoking on Boeing was estimated at $18 million. (2004). To underpin the financial cost associated with employees taking smoking breaks in organizations, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported on a poll conducted by EPIC/MRI, a Lansing Michigan research firm. The results were, smokers usually take three cigarette breaks during a workday, with each break averaging 13 minutes. If an average pay rate is $13 an hour, the lost of productivity for businesses in the Great Lakes states was nearly $1.7 billion (2000.) Generally, smokers contend that they take 1-3 smoking breaks a day. Further survey of more than 900 employed workers show that 13% took 4-6 smoking breaks a day (Kelly Services, 2003.) Health effects of smoking Despite the fact that scientists have discovered that smokingShow MoreRelatedResearch Proposal661 Words   |  3 PagesTO: Professor Sara Cutting FROM: Kiersten McCaffrey DATE: February 18, 2014 SUBJECT: Begin Business Plan for Potential Future Investment Background In the beginning of the semester you requested that I research a topic related to a personal decision such as a future goal. I am currently employed at a yoga studio and have a general understanding of the hard work that goes into running a small business. 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Research Project Title The relationship betweenRead MoreResearch Proposal1706 Words   |  7 PagesMOI UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS. Course: RESEARCH METHODS Course code: ECO 217 Task: GROUP ASSIGNMENT NAMES REG. NO. SIGN 1. HUSSEIN IBRAHIM ABDIRAHMAN ECO/201/O9 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2. THIONG AGUTORead MoreResearch Proposal2386 Words   |  10 PagesResearch Proposal Tony Franco, Anita Badejo, Annie Petroian Malhami, Brenda Baillargeon, Christina Hyett, Kenneth Haynes RES/351 June 11, 2012 Dr. James Gartside University of Phoenix Research Proposal In recent years, the amount of media coverage surrounding assisted suicide, or euthanasia, has increased. The term evokes a multitude of emotive responses. The Royal College of Nursing completed research on the issue of euthanasia initiating change in their policy of opposition to euthanasiaRead MoreParts of a Research Proposal2853 Words   |  12 PagesPARTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL Typical parts of a research proposal are: Title (or Cover) Page Abstract Table of Contents Introduction (including Statement of Problem, Purpose of Research, and Significance of Research) Background (including Literature Survey) Description of Proposed Research (including Method or Approach) Description of Relevant Institutional Resources List of References Personnel Budget The Title (or Cover) Page. Most sponsoring agencies specify the format for the title page,Read MoreDifferences Between Formal Research and Business Proposals1403 Words   |  6 PagesDifferences between â€Å"Formal Research† and â€Å"Business Proposals† There is a great difference between a formal research proposal and a business proposal. In fact these two types of proposals seem to be very similar but there are critical differences in the overall purpose, uses and goals. With such distinct differences for a writer it helps in understanding for writing the formal research proposal or business proposal more effectively. The general purpose of a proposal is the identify a particularRead MoreDesign Research Proposal1022 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Design The research question for this research proposal is: is participation in a Housing First program effective in preventing reoccurrences of child maltreatment with families who have a history of housing instability? This research proposal will examine the hypothesis: Families with a history of instability will be less likely to commit child maltreatment when they are enrolled in a Housing First program as compared to those who are not enrolled. 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How Does The Carbon Cycle Work Environmental Sciences Essay Free Essays

The C rhythm can be defined as the uninterrupted biological procedure through which the C is exchanged between the environment and the beings. It besides refers to the thermonuclear reactions which are brought about by karyon of a C -12 atom when it absorbs protons. The sporadic clime alterations being experienced in the universe today are attributable to the break of C rhythm in one manner or the other. We will write a custom essay sample on How Does The Carbon Cycle Work Environmental Sciences Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Top of the possible causes of this break are human activities. States are loath to accept their portion of incrimination on the whole issue taking to a blasted game. Unless the universe unites against this common cause, the worst is expected to come. This paper covers the C rhythm, how it works and how it ‘s altering in response to human activities. Carbon is found in the ambiance in signifier of the C dioxide gas. Other ambiance gases which contain C dioxide include CFCs and methane. The deficiency or the improper operation of this rhythm can be really awful since workss and animate beings wholly depend on this rhythm during their major biological procedures. The work of the C rhythm can be evaluated or assessed in conformity to the different procedures that change or move C from one signifier to another. These procedures are viz. decomposition, photosynthesis, natural weathering of stones, respiration and the ignition of fossil fuels. During the procedure of photosynthesis C which remains in the ambiance as the C dioxide gas enters into the web of consumers and manufacturers or what is referred to as the ecological nutrient web. After its entry the photosynthetic beings ( algae, workss ) absorb the C dioxide through the bantam pores found in their foliages. Via photosynthesis the workss can now utilize the captive C dioxide an d change over it into simple sugars which are indispensable in the workss growing and reproduction. Plants besides pass C to the animate beings particularly when the animate beings feed o the workss since they do non hold the ability to do their ain nutrient ( Ryn and Cowan 87 ) . Respiration procedure is besides found in the C rhythm but it is unlike photosynthesis because it occurs in the decomposers, workss and animate beings. The respiration procedure besides produces C because the constituent of O is used in interrupting down organic compounds into the C dioxide gas and H2O. Through this procedure of respiration C atoms which start out as the compounds of C dioxide are absorbed through the organic structure of human being and so passed to the ambiance ready for another recycling. Decomposition happens to be the major procedure through which C is passed to the ambiance in signifier of C dioxide. This is achieved through the usage of decomposers ( microorganisms ) which are chiefly found in dirt and H2O. These decomposers normally take in dead and waste merchandises which are chiefly found in signifier of decomposing remains of animate beings and workss. At the same clip they release C dioxide through the procedure of respiration. As before stated, enduring of stones is the other procedure through which C atoms are released. For illustration the calcium hydroxide stone ( an ocean floor rock formed by marine plankton shells ) traps many C atoms. These C atoms are released sometimes after a million old ages when the ocean Waterss recede and the calcium hydroxide stone becomes exposed. Scientifically, it ‘s noted that when a calcium hydroxide stone is set out to the natural procedure of enduring it releases the already trapped atoms becomes a really active portion of the C rhythm one time. Human activities/processes besides increase the C dioxide in the ambiance. One of these activities is the burning of the fossils fuels. Due to the rapid enlargement of industrial revolution many people have been firing the fuels which contain oil and coal to power their engines. The changeless production of these fuels has resulted into immense sums of C dioxide in the ambiance. Most of the C dioxide produced by the burning of these fuels is nevertheless absorbed by workss, oceans and dirts therefore cut downing the increasing effects of planetary heating ( Scienceclarified.com 1 ) . The human activities that influence the C rhythm Human activities have greatly interfered with the procedures involved in the C rhythm. An illustration of these human activities is deforestation. Deforestation is the remotion of natural happening woods through cutting and firing of trees in any forested country. Peoples cut trees to utilize them as fuel, to utilize the land for grazing land, farming and to construct colonies. Active deforestation means that there will be no trees which emit O while devouring C constituents ( C dioxide ) . This leads to increased C dioxide than its consumed therefore destructing the C rhythm. The addition in C constituents in the air consequences into planetary heating ( inordinate warming o the Earth ‘s and oceans surface ) . This inordinate warming consequences into dried rivers or decreased volumes of H2O in the earths surface because the hydrological rhythm will be affected by higher rates of precipitation ( Miller 217 ) . Harmonizing to White ( 1203 ) , the ecologies have greatly been changed by overgrazing, terrassing, irrigation and the film editing of trees. For illustration he says that the Romans used to cut trees to construct ships which were used to contend Carthaginians. He besides states that the Bankss on the lower parts of the river Nile are now a human artefact alternatively of the African jungle which nature could hold created alternatively of adult male. He besides talks of historic ecological alteration which has been caused by the agricultural innovation. Farming prompts deforestation because there must be cutting down of trees to make more infinite for farming. This ecological alteration will be contributed by the addition of C constituents in the air since the forest screen is non available. The green house sort of agriculture is one of the major agricultural subscribers to the break of the C rhythm. This is because the green houses emit gases which are non utilised therefore conveyi ng about planetary heating. Some of the gases emitted include the signifier of C referred to as CFCs. It therefore transpires that the sum of the C produced is higher than the sums consumed. Another human activity which has contributed vastly to the break of the C rhythm is the burning of fuels. This is because of the increased combustion of fuels emits immense sums of C constituents. This will take to greater volumes of C dioxide in the air which will non be consumed therefore doing the C rhythm in effectual. White ( 1204 ) provinces that by 1925, London had experienced a smog job which was caused by the uninterrupted combustion of soft coal. He besides suggests that the current burning of fossil fuels is high up to the point of endangering to alter the universe ‘s ambiance as a whole. White besides suggests that war was another human activity which resulted in to ecological alterations including the break of the C rhythm. He asserts that the first cannon were fired in the early fourteenth century and this affected the ecology because workers were forced to the woods and mountains to scramble for more, S, potassium hydroxide, Fe ore and wood coal where by some res ulted into eroding and deforestation. He besides warns that a war fought with H bombs can change the genetic sciences of life. For illustration it will impact the procedures of the C rhythm between human existences and workss. Harmonizing to Mackenzie ( 1 ) , angling and whaling activities will impact the planetary C rhythm. This is because the uninterrupted remotion of the Marine biology has resulted into increased atmospheric C dioxide. She besides suggests that the rise of C dioxide or C has been caused by progressive fishing which has caused biomass depletion of the universe ‘s ocean. Nowadays, the marine productiveness is now comparatively lower than it used to be when there was a kept up C balance in the ocean-atmosphere. Another signifier of human activities which have influenced the flow of the C rhythm is air conditioning and infrigidation. This is because they utilize the C available in the air which is in signifier of CFC therefore suppressing the continuity of C rhythm between workss and animate beings. These human activities are nevertheless really of import in the universe because they cut down the effects of planetary heating by absorbing the excess C available in the air. Another huma n activity that has influenced the C rhythm is the transition of wild lands and agricultural lands into colonies. These human colonies are the major subscribers to the increased emanations of the planetary C dioxide. They affect the C rhythm through the direct emanations of the C dioxide ensuing from burning of fuels, the changes of the works and C rhythms during the transition of wild lands to urban and residential land screen and the indirect effects of urban and residential land screen on energy usage ecosystem C cycling. In human colonies the dirt C is lost through the dirt perturbations caused by the transition from natural to urban or sub-urban land screen type. The transition of good settled and managed land screen into human colonies consequences into higher rates of C segregation and storage due to big inputs of fertiliser, H2O and organic affair ( Pataki et al 1 ) . Plants cited â€Å" Carbon rhythm † Science clarified. Retrieved on 27th January 2010 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.scienceclarified.com/Ca-Ch/Carbon-Cycle.html Mackenzie, Debbie. THE EFFECTS OF FISHING AND WHALING ACTIVITIES ON THE GLOBAL CARBON CYCLE, 2001. Retrieved on 27th January 2010 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fisherycrisis.com/strangelove.html Miller Tyler. Populating in the Environment: Principles, Connection. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2008 Pataki, Diane. Human colonies and the North American C rhythm, 2006. Retrieved on 27th January 2010 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.climate.noaa.gov/ccsp/22_SOCCR_Chapter14.pdf Ryn, Sim, and Cowan, Stuart. Ecological design. Washington: Island imperativeness, 1996 White, Lynn. The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis, Vol 155 ( figure 3767 ) , march 10 1967, pp 1203-1207. Cycle Human Settlements and the North How to cite How Does The Carbon Cycle Work Environmental Sciences Essay, Essay examples