Chagrinned

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2254

I recently took the grammar quiz on the Guardian site. One of the questions was to identify whether the word 'truth' was a collective, abstract, or both collective and abtract noun. I chose abstract. The Guardian stated the word was both abstract and collective. My understanding of collective nouns is that they can be used as plurals even though they remain singular in form. Can anyone give an example of truth as a collective?

Tee · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 4052 Location: Detroit Metro

I'm having a difficult time coming up with an example where truth is collective. I suppose one could describe a doctrine holding a set of beliefs that make up its truth, but that doesn't even sound linguistically correct.

So, no, I really can't think of a solid case where truth would be a collective noun. Even in the Constitution, it's said, "these truths are self evident."

Eliza · Joined: 21 Aug 2011 Posts: 717

I took the test and answered truth as being abstract which was received as being the correct answer.

7. Truth
Correct answer: Abstract

Maybe they had a mistake that has been fixed? Why don't you check it again to see if you get the same or a different result, dick. BTW, I did that because the Oxford dictionary has truth as being just an abstract noun, with the plural and mass noun being truths.

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2254

I went back twice. Each time I was told I chose "abstract" and the correct answer was "abstract and collective." I thought perhaps it was a vagary of British grammar; they do use collectives far more than we do.

Tee · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 4052 Location: Detroit Metro

I was curious, also, so I took the test. Abstract was indicated as the correct answer for truth.

Maybe the original test is still in your computer's cache, dick, and it would have to be cleared before the other test (obviously corrected since you took it and we did) will show on your screen. Just a thought. I really don't know that for sure, though.

Eliza · Joined: 21 Aug 2011 Posts: 717

I decided to try the quiz a second time and made all my answers the third option, no matter what it was, just to see what would happen. I got all new responses including:

X 7. Truth
Correct answer: Abstract
You answered: Abstract and collective

I had been thinking perhaps it was the site's cache but obviously not so. And the quiz was still "highlighted" on my PC, remembering I had already been there (in my cache IOW). So, it's a mystery; that's for sure.