Is accommodation countable or uncountable?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

According to a number of resources the noun “accommodation” is uncountable. However, I often see the plural form “accommodations”, especially in online articles. So, is accommodation countable or uncountable?

Thanks,
Torsten[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, photographs: Soldiers marching[YSaerTTEW443543]

2

It seems to be another one of those BrE v AmE things, Torsten:

dictionary.cambridge.org/define. … &dict=CALD

3

Hi Torsten,

I think it’s one of those British/American differences. For old fogies like me there is a belief that the singular is preferred but I am given to understand that the plural form is used regularly in American English. There are two points to bear in mind: it is gradually being used in the plural in British English and apparently it was used in the plural form in the UK up until the 18th century. So as they say: you takes your pick!

Alan

4

Sorry Conchita - while I was laboriously slaving over a hot keyboard, you nipped in with a quick response.

Alan

5

Hi Torsten

If your resources stated unequivocally that the word ‘accommodation’ is always uncountable, then I would recommend looking for new sources of information. Accommodation can be used as a countable noun and as an uncountable noun. Also bear in mind that the word accommodation is not used exclusively to refer to lodging.

6

This is fascinating to me. It’s another case of a British archaism continuing remaining current in the US for centuries, but in this case it must be seeping back and restoring old usage in the UK.