Is it correct to say “chalks”?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The noun “chalk” can be countable or uncountable. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be chalk. You generally say “a piece of chalk” or simply “chalk.”

Here are some examples illustrating how “chalk” is used as an uncountable noun:

• Correct Usage:

1. “The teacher needs some chalk to write on the board.”
2. “Can you pass me a piece of chalk?”
3. “The classroom is running low on chalk.”

• Incorrect Usage:

1. “The teacher needs two chalks to write on the board.”
2. “Can you pass me three chalks?”
3. “The classroom is running low on chalks.”

In the correct examples, “chalk” is treated as a mass noun or uncountable noun, while in the incorrect examples, it is inappropriately treated as a countable noun.

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Is it correct to say “chalks”

In specific contexts, “chalks” can be used as the plural form. This includes referring to different types or collections of chalk, as well as multiple pieces or sticks.

Here are examples for both contexts:

• Different Types or Collections:

1. The artist’s set includes various chalks for different textures and effects.
2. Geologists study different chalks from various regions to understand their composition.
3. The teacher brought a box of assorted chalks for art class, including pastel, oil, and standard chalks.

• Multiple Pieces or Sticks:

1. The teacher bought different colored chalks for the classroom.
2. We need to replace the old chalks in the supply cupboard.
3. She arranged the chalks neatly in a row on the ledge.

In these examples, “chalks” is appropriately used to refer to different types or multiple pieces of chalk.

Can “chalk” be counted?

“Chalk” cannot be pluralized when it is used as a mass noun. In this context, it refers to the substance itself rather than individual pieces. Here are some examples:

1. Material Description: “The cliffs are made of chalk.” Here, “chalk” refers to the substance in general, and it would not be appropriate to say “chalks.”
2. Art Supplies: When talking about the medium in art, “chalk” often remains singular. For instance, “He prefers working with chalk over other mediums.”

In these contexts, “chalk” is treated as an uncountable noun, similar to how you would refer to “water” or “sand” without pluralizing them.

The context often determines whether “chalk” is countable or uncountable

Let’s use this recent question from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)¹ to illustrate the context:

The teacher needs ….. to write the note on the board. A. chalks B. a chalk C. some chalk D. many chalks.

(WASSCE 2024)

Given the context where “chalk” can be either countable or uncountable, the best option is:

C. some chalk

Here’s why:

• Chalks (option A) is not typically used when referring to the material needed to write on the board.
• A chalk (option B) could refer to a single piece of chalk, but it is less commonly used in everyday language compared to “a piece of chalk.”
• Some chalk (option C) correctly refers to an unspecified amount of the material, which is appropriate in this context.
• Many chalks (option D) is incorrect because “chalk” as a material is uncountable in this usage.

In standard English and the context of needing chalk to write on the board, the uncountable form “some chalk” is typically correct. Therefore, based on standard usage, “some chalk” is the most appropriate and correct option: “The teacher needs some chalk to write the note on the board.”

However, if the question is asking for a specific amount, it would be clearer to say, “The teacher needs a piece of chalk to write the note on the board.”

1. The West African Examinations Council is West Africa’s foremost examining board established by law to determine the examinations required in the public interest in the English-speaking West African countries, to conduct the examinations, and to award certificates comparable to those of equivalent examining authorities internationally. ↩︎