1.33 nouns that are uncount and count

There are also some other nouns that can be uncount nouns when they refer to a thing in general, and count nouns when they refer to a particular instance of it.

Some nouns are commonly both uncount nouns and count nouns. For example, 'victory' refers to the idea of winning in general but 'a victory' refers to a particular occasion when someone wins.

• Just as we gained fame in victory, we lost nothing in defeat.
• She is still waiting and yearning for her first victory.
• Many parents were alarmed to find themselves in open conflict with the church.
• Russia had been successful in previous conflicts.

Some uncount nouns are rarely or never count nouns; that is, they do not occur in a plural form, or with a number.

• ...a collection of fine furniture.
• We found Alan weeping with relief and joy.
• He saved money by refusing to have a telephone.