training or trainings

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by datby98, Aug 28, 2022.

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  1. datby98

    datby98 Active Member

    As a non-native English speaker, for years, I felt frustrated in understanding how to use the correct plural form of "training." Quite a few professors even "fervently" tried to remind me by discounting the grades for my essays. There will always be some people who are difficult to satisfy, no matter whether I use "training programs" or "trainings." But nonetheless, this post is really interesting: https://www.englishbusiness.com/blog/training-or-trainings-what-is-the-correct-plural-form/
    I might be cautious and get to know where the reviewers come from first. Hahaha.
     
  2. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I want to know too.. lol. Usually I write training courses or programs. Other times, I avoid using the word training when pluralizing.
     
  3. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    As a native speaker, I find this fascinating! The difference seems natural to me and I never would have considered that an ELL would be challenged by it. It makes me wonder what subtleties I don't realize I'm missing in the second languages I speak.

    The linked webpage does a good job explaining the difference, but here's a brief summary. If you can count the instances of training, it's "trainings", if you're referring to the entirety of one's learning it's "training".

    So, I've completed five basket weaving trainings as a part of my basket weaving training.

    Thanks for bringing this up. I've exclusively taught second languages to English speakers, never English to ELLs. I've considered doing some TESOL in the future, but clearly I would first need some more... you guessed it, training!

    :emoji_smirk::emoji_sunglasses:
     
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  4. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    @datby98 Congratulations on your excellent English. It is indeed a frustrating language to learn - even, at times, for those born, raised and schooled in English-speaking countries. Those from other countries, who learn to express themselves well in English, are among the Great Survivors of our time and are to be admired! :)
     
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  5. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    And here's your first training session! Say this fast 5 times!

    Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
    A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked;
    If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
    Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
     
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  6. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I’ve worked in the field all of my life. “Trainings” refers to a specific set of events. “Training” is the overall process.

    I never use the former. I find it awkward.
     
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  7. Rachel83az

    Rachel83az Well-Known Member

    I think that "trainings" just sounds wrong, no matter how correct it might be.
     
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  8. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    And here's one for you, Asian Stew:

    María Chuchena su techo techaba, y un techador le pregunta:
    "¿Que techas Maria Chuchena? O techas tu choza o techas la ajena?"
    "No techo mi choza ni techo la ajena. Yo techo el techo de María Chuchena."

    i learned it in college Spanish class in the 80s. I took tongue-twisters in other languages too.

    Anybody wants more Spanish ones - a page of them here. ¡Buena suerte!
    https://www.tongue-twister.net/es.htm#:~:text=María Chuchena su techo techaba,choza ni techo la ajena.
     
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