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Ruoling Wang
Why is TIME in "for a long time" countable?
It just pops up in my mind. Shouldn't it be "for XX times" where we can use TIME as a countable noun?
2019년 6월 20일 오전 8:47
답변 · 8
1
"For a long time" is NOT countable. We never say "for three long times" or it would be countable.
2019년 6월 20일
Countable and uncountable can be quite tricky in English. For example, 'water' is a word which people always learn is uncountable. What about this sentence, then: "The boat went missing in international waters."? Hmmm.... very interesting...
Instead, here are some example sentences. See if you notice a pattern, and try to make some similar sentences yourself.
I have been learning French for 4 years.
I went to France for 3 weeks last summer.
I spent a long time living in France when I was younger.
Unfortunately I won't be able to go back to France for a long time, I'll be busy with my new business.
I have been to France 3 times since I left school.
I went to France 5 times last year.
I tried to speak French with a language exchange partner for the first time yesterday.
2019년 6월 20일
Your words are still appreciated, Michael! Sometimes I am too focused on minor details and lose happiness.
2019년 6월 20일
It's meant helpfully. I hope it reads that way. There are so many little "rules" that beginners* are taught which are misleading; English is not a very rule-following language, in use. Have a good day :)
*Correction - I see you are not a beginner. My apologies. I still offer the same advice - but of course you should evaluate it for yourself :)
2019년 6월 20일
Thanks for your suggestion, Michael!
2019년 6월 20일
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Ruoling Wang
언어 구사 능력
중국어(북경어), 영어, 일본어
학습 언어
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