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nawee
Joined: 29 Apr 2006
Posts: 400
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 Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 8:03 pm Post subject: "fear" as a countable noun? |
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Hello,
I understand that nouns that are usually seen as uncountable nouns can sometimes be used as countable nouns when they refer to different types of such nouns, like "fruits" or "wines".
But when can "fear" be used as a countable noun and what does it imply? I came across this sentence on an online newspaper and I don't understand why "fear" is used in the plural form. Can anyone help explain the use of "fear" in the following sentence for me?
"Prostitutes were warned to stay off the streets of Ipswich last night as fears grew that a serial killer may have murdered five sex workers in East Anglia. "
Thank you,
Nawee |
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2006
Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 610
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| Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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In that sentence you can also use the singular, "fear". Maybe "fears" refers to the prostitutes' fear and the police department's fear and the general public's fear, etc.
"Fears" can be used in other situations. John has many fears (noun) but he especially fears (verb) heights, crowds, elevators and airplanes. |
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