I was wondering if it is alright to use merchandises as a word. I am reading a report where the author uses it frequently, e.g. delivery of merchandises. I think it should be delivery of merchandise rather than merchandises.
Merchandises as a word
July 3rd, 2007 by Annie
6 Responses to “Merchandises as a word”
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Teaching English to Preschoolers with iPhones
We (i.e. the creators of Pain in The English) developed a series of iPhone apps to teach preschool kids how to recognize letters and words. (My wife developed the characters and I did the coding.) Our own 4-year old daughter has been enjoying them. They are now available on Apple's App Store. You can search for "bitskis" on your iPhone, or visit the official website at bitskis.com.
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The very idea of using "merchandises" makes my skin crawl.
MERCHANDISE is the correct word.
"Merchandise" is normally used like a mass-noun, so you can't pluralize it.
Merchandise is an uncountable noun, like water. You can't say that you have five merchandises, or fifteen waters. You can say you have five STOREROOMS of merchandise, or fifteen BOTTLES of water.
This probably is not what you are seeing, but do realize that "merchandises" can very much be a word. "Merchandise" is also a verb meaning "to buy and sell goods". It's perfectly ok to say something like, oh, "Joan used to merchandise in the consumer retail industry but now she merchandises in wholesale electronics". Also, let's not forget the noun, "merchandising".
Merchandise as a noun is correct usage and Merchandises is used as verb. In your case "Merchandises" is incorrect.