English Grammar
Hi friends, which one is right? I don't know if conflict is countable.

1. When you think of territorial disputes, you often think of conflict over land.
2. When you think of territorial disputes, you often think of conflicts over land.

Question

English Grammar
Hi friends, which one is right? I don't know if conflict is countable.

1. When you think of territorial disputes, you often think of conflict over land. 
2. When you think of territorial disputes, you often think of conflicts over land.

Answer

Both are correct.

1. is general conflict --> the general concept/mental image of fighting, associated with territorial disputes

2. more concrete examples --> you think of specific instances e.g. specific wars and fights

Answer

Both are correct.

The word "countable" has two possible meanings.

One meaning is the abstract concept of "conflict" and the features or characteristics that define it; this meaning is not countable.

The other meaning is a specific event that is defined as an instance of that abstract concept; this meaning is countable.

I agree with Leslie: because you are using the plural countable noun "disputes" to refer to a specific set of events, it makes sense to also use the plural countable noun "conflicts" to refer to a similar set of events.

Answer

Yes, "conflict" is countable, and since your statement refers to multiple disputeS, it makes sense to stay in the plural and use conflictS.  Hope this helps.

Answers · 6

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