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Chloe
Is "hesitation"a countable noun or uncontable noun?
Here are some sentences I got from a dictionary: 1.After some hesitation one of them began to speak.
2.There was a slight hesitation in Jamie's voice.
3.He promised there would be no more hesitations in pursuing reforms.
I just want to know when to use it as a countable noun and when to use it as a uncountable. Thank you in advance!!
Jul 24, 2017 5:18 AM
Answers · 5
1
Hello Caroline,
That's a good question. In short, it can be both countable and uncountable. The following definitions might be useful for you.
Hesitation [uncountable, countable] the act of being slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or nervous
She agreed without any hesitation.
He spoke fluently and without unnecessary hesitations.
Hesitation [uncountable] the fact of being worried about doing something, especially because you are not sure that it is right or appropriate
I have no hesitation in recommending her for the job.
So you can use this word both countably and uncountably. However, it would be unusual to talk about '3 hesitations' for example.
I hope that helps.
Christine
July 24, 2017
If you look it up in a dictionary, it is listed as countable/uncountable. This means it can be both. However, in reality, we almost always use it as uncountable.
July 24, 2017
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Chloe
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Korean
Learning Language
English, Korean
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