[43] Singular vs. plural: phenomenon/phenomena
Phenomena is the plural form of phenomenon. Use a plural verb after phenomena:
a. These phenomena are not fully understood.
b. This phenomenon is not fully understood.
[44] Key word: contention
Contention (=opinion/disagreement), the noun derived from the verb contend, can be used as follows:
a. This line of study remains a source of contention in the field of psychology.
b. It is our contention that this law is a gross infringement of our civil liberties.
c. In our view, there are three conclusive answers to these contentions.
[45] Tricky pair: agree on/agree that
You agree on something and agree that something is the case:
a. The two studies agree on the most important points.
b. Nearly all studies agree that physical activity reduces the risk of diabetes.
[46] Count vs. non-count: research/study
Research is generally used as an uncountable noun; study is countable:
a. My research shows that… (NOT “My researches show that…”)
b. A new study shows that… (NOT “A new research shows that…”)
[47] Tricky pair: amount/number
Use amount with uncountable and abstract nouns (amount of information, research, progress, money, love) and number with countable nouns (number of details, studies, people, times, respondents, participants). Here’s a tip to help you remember the difference:
Amount = How much…?
Number = How many…?
[48] Spelling: hypothesize/hypothesis
Don’t confuse hypothesize with hypothesis:
a. Hypothesize: verb (American English)
b. Hypothesise: verb (British English)
c. Hypothesis: singular noun
d. Hypotheses: plural noun
[49] Key phrase: whether or not
Here are other common phrases with whether or not: heated debate over whether or not…, uncertain as to whether or not…, conclusions about whether or not…, the issue of whether or not...