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    My paradox here comes from the fact that it is something uncountable (a lot...)and therefore should get "are" I don't understand you. Uncountable things get is, not are. The sand is hot, not "the sand are hot". Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 18:11
  • Thank you. I edited my question. Then I always have to refer to it as singular, even when I'm talking about many? Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 18:14
  • Many uncountable nouns are also countable. So that's the rub here. These toothpastes are not good products. These dessert sands are hot. So, it depends really. Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 18:19
  • Well, a toothpaste as a particular brand of toothpaste is one thing and in that case it's countable, but toothpaste as a substance is still uncountable. You don't say, for example, pour me some milks. Or better yet: What are you drinking? I'm drinking wines. There is a clear difference when you use which. Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 18:58
  • The point that I'm trying to make is that things that are uncountable can't be countable and uncountable at the same time in the same context. Commented Dec 11, 2017 at 19:04