Banana Rule (SCN Rule)

[Erin]

One of the most important rules on the TOEFL is what I call the Banana Rule.

Here's why I call it the Banana Rule. Look at this sentence and tell me whether it's correct:

*I like banana.

Some people know this sentence is wrong, but many people think it's correct.

This sentence is NOT correct because we have a rule in English that says:

A singular count noun cannot stand alone.

or, as I like to say for the TOEFL:

If you see a Singular Count Noun with no determiner, it is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!

There are many different ways to correct this sentence, including:

• I like bananas.
• I like the banana.
• I like no banana.

Of course, English wouldn't English if there weren't many important exceptions, so be sure to see the list of exceptions that I've put together.

[HiLine]

Banana rule? What a name!

[vncd]

where is the list of exceptions? page error !!!

[saiabhay]

where is the list

[xenos14]

Hey I couldn't find the link......... ERROR

[motower]

Can you re-submit the exception list? Thanks

[amy6]

Hi Erin,

Can you please have the link for Exceptions .

Regards
Amy