Can the word training be pluralized, as in “How many trainings did you have last week”? Martha and Grant disagree about whether training can be a count noun. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Plural of Training”
Ed McClure from the Phoenix School of Law sent us an email.
He’s asking about a word that has annoyed me as well.
And you know, I don’t let very many words annoy me, right?
No.
I figure live and let live, and if it works for the other person, they should just go about their business and do what they like, right?
Yeah.
This is the word training turned into a count noun so that you can say things like, I had three trainings yesterday.
Or if you watch all the trainings videos, you’ll learn how to do the thing that you need to do.
And he’s annoyed by it and I’m annoyed by it.
You’re annoyed by it?
Yeah, trainings.
Really?
Training to me is not a count noun.
You just have training as a mass noun, right?
Inside of training can be a lot of different chapters or units or classes or lectures.
But you only have training.
You don’t have trainings with a plural.
Well, Grant, I think it’s odd and striking that it bothers you.
That’s why I’m bringing it up.
That’s fascinating.
Yes.
I have stepped outside my usual streams and I’ve allowed myself to be annoyed.
And I’m fascinated by this.
Wow.
Trainings.
Can you say trainings?
I have some trainings.
Sure.
Sure.
Call us and tell us about it.
877-929-9673 or email to words@waywordradio.org.
