Analogy — Quantifiers for Countable vs Uncountable ‘‘Much’’ is used with uncountable nouns, while ‘‘Many’’ is used with countable nouns. By analogy, ‘‘Measure’’ (for quantities) is related to which action used for countable items?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Count

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
English usage draws a clear distinction between quantifiers and actions appropriate for countable and uncountable nouns. ‘‘Much’’ pairs with uncountable nouns; ‘‘Many’’ pairs with countable nouns. The question asks for a similar distinction between actions: ‘‘Measure’’ versus the one most appropriate for countable entities.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Much → uncountable nouns (e.g., much water).
  • Many → countable nouns (e.g., many books).
  • Measure → an action typically applied to quantities (often uncountable, e.g., measure water, distance, time).
  • We must find the action typically applied to countable items.


Concept / Approach:
Replicate the relationship: uncountable vs countable. ‘‘Measure’’ suits continuous quantities; the complementary action for discrete items is ‘‘Count.’’ While one can ‘‘calculate’’ in both domains, count specifically matches discrete, countable units.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the grammatical analogy: Much:Many = uncountable:countable.2) Align actions: Measure (uncountable/continuous) → ? (countable/discrete).3) The precise action is ‘‘Count.’’


Verification / Alternative check:
Try examples: we measure milk, time, or length; we count apples, books, or people. This mirrors the Much/Many split perfectly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Measures: a plural noun/verb form, not the contrasting action.
  • Calculate: general operation; does not map neatly to the countable-only contrast.
  • Weigh: a type of measurement (mass), again on the ‘‘measure’’ side.


Common Pitfalls:
Choosing a broad math term like ‘‘calculate’’ instead of the exact linguistic counterpart that mirrors the countable/uncountable distinction. Precision matters in analogies.


Final Answer:
Count

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