grammatical number - "Content" or "Contents"?


Content or contents — when do I use which form?


I realize that the one is the plural form of the other, but they seem to be used interchangeably.



Answer



You should be aware where you're using it.


According to ldoce:



  • contents [plural] : 1) the things that are inside a box, bag, room etc 2) the things that are written in a letter, book etc



She kept the contents of the letter a secret.




  • content [singular] the amount of a substance that is contained in something, especially food or drink



water with a low salt content




  • content [singular, uncountable]: the ideas, facts, or opinions that are contained in a speech, piece of writing, film, programme etc



The content of the media course includes scripting, editing, and camera work.




  • content [singular, uncountable]: the information contained in a website, considered separately from the software that makes the website work



The graphics are brilliant. It’s just a shame the content is so poor.



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