Question

Why is food an uncountable noun and snack countable? And is cheese uncountable? Also, is it possible to put the uncountable nouns in the plural?

Answer 1

1. The noun "food" is a word for a substance; the noun "snack" is a word for a type of food.
2. Yes, the noun "cheese" is an uncountable noun.
3. Yes, uncountable nouns do have plural forms.

Explanation:

The plural form of uncountable nouns is reserved for "types of" or "kinds of", for example:
-- They prepared the foods on the outdoor grill. (kinds of foods)
-- We tasted a variety of cheeses from around the world.
-- The cook had a selection of oils to choose from.

Some uncountable nouns have a plural form that has a specific meaning, for example:
-- The noun "glass" is an uncountable noun as a word for a substance.
-- The noun "glasses" is a plural noun as a word for two or more drinking vessels.
-- The noun "glasses" is an uncountable plural noun as a word for a pair of spectacles.

-- The noun "water" is an uncountable noun as a word for a substance.
-- The plural noun "waters" is a word for "types of" or "kinds of" water.
-- The plural noun "waters" is a word for specific areas of seawater.

-- The singular noun "accommodation" is an uncountable noun as a word for a change in behavior or attitude that helps people work together or end a disagreement; the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances.
-- The plural noun "accommodations" is a word for lodging and meals or traveling space and related services.

-- The singular noun "due" is a word for a right, what is owed.
-- The plural noun "dues" is a word for money paid regularly for membership.