Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

learner12 · Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730

Hello, teachers!!

Can you say "I love bicycle"? In this case, does "I love bicycle" mean " I love cycling"?

(1) I love bicycle.
(2) I love bicycles.
(3) I love a bicycle
(4) I love the bicycle.
(5) I love the bicycles.

What is the most natural English among (1)-(5)?

Thank you in advance.

Eric Thompson · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject:

Dear learner12, Number 2, 'I love bicycles' is the most natural of the group. If you are talking about your own bicycle, you can say 'I love that bicycle', not 'the bicycle'. OK?--Eric Smile

Eric Thompson · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:30 pm Post subject:

Dear learner12, About 'I love bicycle'...it is not the same as 'I love cycling'. You can say 'I love bicycling', especially to differentiate it from the use of motorcycles. Additionally, 'bicycle' is a simple noun, whereas 'cycling' is a verbal noun used to denote the use of a bicycle.

learner12 · Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730

Dear Eric Thompson:

Thank you so much for your quick replies. I understood you.

I have one more question. Can you use "I love bicycle" when bicycle engineers who devote themselves to manufacturing bicycles and love the parts of the bicycle? He is a bicycle nerd.

Thank you in advance.

Eric Thompson · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

Dear learner12, The bicycle engineer/nerd would say 'I love the bicycle'. People who really enjoy riding bicycles would say 'I love bicycles'. That's how I see and feel it. You can use this example as an analogy for other human-engineered things, like cars, computers, TV's, washing machines. Ok?--Eric Smile

learner12 · Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730

Dear Eric Thompson:

Thank you again for your help. Your explanations are great and have wide application.

Have a nice day!!!