variable noun

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Anonymous  #545751  Thu, 24 Jul 08 06:21 AM
Hi,
I just found out that words 'salami' and 'sausage' are variable nouns. I don't know whether they are categorized correclty but can you tell me how that can be? To me, variable nouns are not susceptible to differentiation by types or brands but by instances or specificity, ie, by specific vs. general, like a potato and potato.
As far as I know,mass nouns get differentiated by types or brands as in the case of 'fluid'.
Help.
  
Mister Micawber  #545874  Thu, 24 Jul 08 01:25 PM
.
I cannot respond to all of your comments, but salami and sausage can be countable or noncount nouns, just as potato can.  Actually, many many foods can be either.

She hit me with two salamis/sausages/cabbages/potatoes/watermelons.
Salami/Sausage/Cabbage/Potato/Watermelon is my favorite deli dish.

  
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