Vind Engels Leerkrachten
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?
20 jun. 2019 08:47
Antwoorden · 8
1
"For a long time" is NOT countable. We never say "for three long times" or it would be countable.
20 juni 2019
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.
20 juni 2019
Your words are still appreciated, Michael! Sometimes I am too focused on minor details and lose happiness.
20 juni 2019
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 :)
20 juni 2019
Thanks for your suggestion, Michael!
20 juni 2019
Meer weergeven
Heb je je antwoorden nog steeds niet gevonden?
Schrijf je vragen op en laat de moedertaalsprekers je helpen!
Ruoling Wang
Taalvaardigheden
Chinees (Mandarijn), Engels, Japans
Taal die wordt geleerd
Engels
Artikelen die je misschien ook leuk vindt

Speak More Fluently with This Simple Technique
27 likes · 5 Opmerkingen

How to Read and Understand a Business Contract in English
21 likes · 4 Opmerkingen

6 Ways italki Can Help You Succeed in Your School Language Classes
18 likes · 9 Opmerkingen
Meer artikelen