3 ms·

What about "police", is that a mass noun? I feel like my English is pretty much error free at this point but I still sometimes mess this one up. I might say "th

• samtho 4y ago
  I’m not sure if “Police” is a considered a mass noun, but it is inherently plural as per its definition which is “a collection of enforcement officers.” There is no singular form but it is also can be used as an adjective and a verb.
• smegsicle 4y ago
  that's a good one. i think that's right though- 'police officer' would of course be a regular singular noun, while 'the police' could represent any mass or representation of law enforcement. but even though it's usually used as plural, when the representation is a bit more abstract it sometimes feels right to use a singular again? "the police are looking into it": boots are on the ground, people are currently active. "the police is looking into it": we've informed the police of the problem, it's in the system, people should be on the case soon. but this almost sounds a bit dismissive? like "the police" maybe isn't going to bother at all, and if you want it solved maybe go to someone who cares... that's tricky.. and still maybe sounds a bit off, so if you want to be safe i don't think you can go wrong with plural.
• IIAOPSW 4y ago
  The grammar police is coming!