Ask the Editor
Question
"Most of the equipment was/were defective." Which one is correct? — Harpreet, India
Answer
Equipment is a noncount noun which means that it has no plural form. Even when it refers to more than one thing, it is still grammatically singular, so you should use a singular verb:
Most of the equipment was defective.
Equipment is like other noncount nouns such as homework , rice , and clothing . Many pieces of equipment are considered as a unit. Equipments is not a word.
I hope this helps.
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