ruby/doc/language
Brandon Zylstra c65a5548a8 Update box.md
"Code" (when used to refer to what we create in Ruby or any other programming language) is an abstract non-count noun, so it cannot be pluralized.  ("Codes" would be used when referring to specific countable things like PIN codes, which is a different use of the word "code".)

This is somewhat confusing because English allows converting count nouns into non-count nouns, and converting non-count nouns into count nouns, and because many words have both forms.

For an example of converting a non-count noun to a count noun, "water" is normally a non-count noun:

> The world is covered with water.

but people who work in restaurants often use the word as a count noun, as a shorthand for "cup of water":

> I need 7 waters on the big table by the window.

For an example of the opposite conversion, "worm" is normally a count noun:

> There are lots of worms in the puddle.

but someone might use it as a non-count noun when talking about non-distinct remains of worms:

> You have worm all over the bottom of your shoe!

So although a given noun can be flexible enough to be used in either way—even when it is unconventional—there is a definite change of meaning when using a word as a count noun or a non-count noun.
2026-01-05 17:11:06 +09:00
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2026-01-05 17:11:06 +09:00