[Grammar] I don't like winter OR I don't like winters

[naweewra]

Hello,

I looked up in a dictionary and it says that "winter" is both countable and uncountable.

When is it countable and when is it uncountable?

Should I use:

I don't like winter. OR
I don't like winters.

Thank you.

Nawee

 

[InPerfectEnglish]

Hi Nawee,

In this specific example it would be most common to say "I don't like winter." You could use the plural for something like, "Two winters ago we went skiing in the Alps" or "The winters in Montana are very harsh."

I honestly can not clarify for you when the noun is countable or uncountable. However, if you simply make a distinction between plural and singular that should give you the right answer as well. ;-)

Hope this helps!

In Perfect English

 

[billmcd]

Hello,

I looked up in a dictionary and it says that "winter" is both countable and uncountable.

When is it countable and when is it uncountable?

Should I use:

I don't like winter. In general and never. OR
I don't like winters. Any and/or as opposed to other seasons.

Thank you.

Nawee

Some nouns, considered primarily uncountable, can be used in either way depending on context. Use your favorite search engine to get a list of examples.