Partitive Structure with Uncountable Nouns
To count or quantify an uncountable noun we use a unit of measurement - a measure word. For example, we cannot usually say “two breads” because “bread” is uncountable. So, if we want to specify a quantity of bread we use a measure word such as “loaf” or “slice” in a structure like “two loaves of bread” or “two slices of bread”. We call this structure a partitive structure.
| p a r t i t i v e s t r u c t u r e | |||
| quantity | measure word (partitive, countable noun) | "of" | uncountable noun |
| two cups of coffee several games of tennis a drop of water | |||
We can use the same uncountable noun in different partitive expressions with different meanings. For example, a loaf of bread and a slice of bread are partitive expressions with different meanings. A loafof bread is what we call a whole unit of bread that we buy from a baker. A slice of bread is what we call a smaller unit of bread after it has been cut from a loaf.
Here are some more examples:
- Don't forget to buy a bag of rice when you go shopping.
- Can I have one cup of coffee and two cups of tea.
- The police found some items of clothing scattered around the floor.
- I need a truck that will take at least three pieces of furniture.
- You'd think a tablespoon of honey would be more than enough.
Useful Tip
The word "partitive" indicates that only "part" of a whole is being referred to. The partitive structure using a measure word is common with uncountable nouns, but it can also be used with countable nouns, for example: a series of accidents, two boxes of matches, a can of worms.
See also in Vocabulary:
