student asking question

Why "habitat" doesn’t have article even thought it is the singular number?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Habitat" written like "habitat" can be singular or plural, depending on the context. Here, "habitat" is plural because it refers to a large expanse of space that is not contained. On the other hand, if an animal enclosure at a zoo was being referred to as a "habitat", it would be singular because it is referring to a smaller, enclosed space. "Habitats" can be used to refers to multiple enclosed habitats, or different types of habitats. Here are examples of the different ways "habitat" can be used: Ex: The shark's habitat is in the ocean. ("Habitat" here is plural because it refers to a large space) Ex: The cheetah habitat at the zoo is interesting. ("Habitat" here is singular because it is referring to one enclosed space) Ex: A sea turtle's habitats are on land and in the ocean. ("Habitats" is plural because multiple types of habitats are being referred to)

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