fruit vs fruits

[Hunnybunny]

Hi. It's me again.

I was once in a review course for the teaching licensure exams. And I remember one of the speakers told us that "fruit" was different from "fruits". But for the life of me, I just can't recall why! I really need your help. This question has been on my mind for the past few weeks already and I'm starting to lose sleep.

When do you use "fruit" and "fruits"?

[Alan]

Hi,

'Fruit' is the overall description and 'fruits' refers to individual types/names of fruit. We can say: Fruit is good for your health but We have a wide selection of fruits on the menu - apples, bananas, grapes, melons ....

Hope this helps you to sleep better at night!

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Word Story: Dictionary

[Hunnybunny]

Thanks, Alan. I really appreciate it. And yeah, I'll sleep better tonight!

[Nikardim]

Thanks!!!!
I've been searching for that for ages!!!!

[Dianadiao]

Hi, Alan. I've just read your posts and learned something in there. But what if I want to say "My favourite fruit is apples and grapes"? Do we have to say "My favourite fruits are apples and grapes"?
Thanks.

[Cerberus™]

Yes, that's right. When you say "my favourite fruit", you are talking about one type of fruit only; it couldn't be two types of fruit. It is like saying, "my favourite city is London and Paris", which is wrong.

[Dianadiao]

Thanks very much.