1. "Clothes" is a collective noun that is inherently plural. It refers to a single garment as well as multiple garments. Therefore, it does not have a singular form.
2. The term "clothes" can be derived from "cloth" (material)加上"es". This implies that clothes are made up of multiple pieces of fabric.
3. "Clothing" is the term used to describe all garments collectively.
Differences between "clothes" and "clothing":
1. "Clothes" is a plural noun that cannot be used with indefinite articles or cardinal numbers. It can, however, be modified by words such as "some," "these," "those," "many," and "few." For example:
- Correct: "Those clothes," "few clothes," "many clothes."
- Incorrect: "A clothes," "two clothes," "three clothes."
2. "Clothing" is an uncountable noun. For example:
- Correct: "They wear very little clothing."
3. In terms of meaning, "clothes" is more concrete, while "clothing" is more abstract. In terms of register, "clothing" is more formal than "clothes." For example:
- Correct: "I changed my clothes," "He is washing his clothes," "Our clothing protects us against the cold."
- Correct (either can be used): "He spent a lot of money on clothes [clothing]," "We are well provided with food and clothing."
