Was vs were.

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

  1. A lot of sugar was used. (Correct)

  2. A lot of sugar were used. (Incorrect).
    This was taken from a learned book. And I am flabbergasted to see plural uncountable noun being treated as singular uncount. But is there any singular uncount noun at all. Please assist.

2

“sugar” is not “plural uncountable”, and it is not being treated as a “singular uncount”; what you are seeing is simply that (most) uncountable nouns take singular verbs:

“A lot of sugar was used.” (“sugar” is uncountable)
“A lot of eggs were used.” (“eggs” is plural countable)

3

So Dozy, should I learn from you that there is no singular or plural uncountable noun. But uncountable nouns are uncountable, no singular neither plural? I need your endorsement.

4

Hi Dozy, please assist me to understand when to use this present unreal conditional I have always used, past unreal conditional because I dont really understand the present unreal conditional. Like the following:

  1. If he went there he would meet his old friends.
  2. If he invited you, you should go.
  3. If I went there I know I woundnt meet him.
    I dont really understand the above and I have always used the past unreal conditional instead.