I bought 3 milks yesterday. vs I bought milk yesterday.

Both phrases are correct, but "I bought 3 milks yesterday" implies that the person bought three containers or types of milk, while "I bought milk yesterday" implies a general purchase of milk without specifying the quantity.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 29, 2025 • 4942 views

This phrase is correct but less common. It implies the purchase of three containers or types of milk.

"I bought 3 milks yesterday."

This phrase is used when specifying the quantity or types of milk bought. It is less common than the singular form 'milk.'

Examples:

I bought 3 milks yesterday: whole milk, almond milk, and soy milk.
She asked me to buy 3 milks for the party.
They sell 3 milks at that store: regular, organic, and lactose-free.
The recipe calls for 3 milks: cow's milk, coconut milk, and oat milk.
He prefers to have 3 milks in his fridge at all times.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was you that drank her saucer of milk yesterday.
I bought you the mobile yesterday.
You must see What I bought yesterday.
Master Muharrem, I bought some from you yesterday.
Answer... the shoes I bought yesterday.
Yes, in fact I bought it yesterday.
I'm sorry, I bought some islam yesterday.
I bought an Andy Warhol yesterday.
I bought a pen like yours yesterday.
This is the watch I bought yesterday.
This is the record which I bought yesterday.
As soon as he won, he bought 3 acres on the moon and a mausoleum for his neighbor.
This is good news especially for those countries whose farmers should make too large investments to produce just one of the 3 milk categories accepted until now.
Mr President, I would like to make the following comment in connection with the Minutes: reference was made in the Maat report on school milk yesterday to the fact that the Community's contribution to financing shall be equal to 75% of the target price.
I bought us bus tickets to Montreal.
I bought us all Illinois Millions lotto tickets.
Just the stuff I bought online.
I bought my air compressor there.
I bought this 2,000-piece cat puzzle.
I bought every insurance you offered.

Alternatives:

I bought three containers of milk yesterday.
I bought three types of milk yesterday.
I bought three cartons of milk yesterday.
I bought three bottles of milk yesterday.
I bought three gallons of milk yesterday.

This phrase is correct and commonly used. It implies a general purchase of milk without specifying the quantity.

"I bought milk yesterday."

This phrase is used when referring to a general purchase of milk without specifying the quantity or types. It is the more common form compared to '3 milks.'

Examples:

I bought milk yesterday for the recipe.
She always buys milk on her way home.
They need to buy milk for the breakfast tomorrow.
He forgot to buy milk at the grocery store.
We usually buy milk from the local dairy farm.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was you that drank her saucer of milk yesterday.
What if I bought milk for all the girls afterwards?
I had a dream that I bought milk,
I bought you the mobile yesterday.
You must see What I bought yesterday.
Master Muharrem, I bought some from you yesterday.
Answer... the shoes I bought yesterday.
Yes, in fact I bought it yesterday.
I'm sorry, I bought some islam yesterday.
I bought an Andy Warhol yesterday.
I bought a pen like yours yesterday.
This is the watch I bought yesterday.
This is the record which I bought yesterday.
A lot of people bought milk that day.
I've bought milk before your relationship started - that was still good to drink after it ended.
I've bought milk before your relationship started - that was still good to drink after it ended.
Actually the only time my mother bought milk was when my face was on the side of the carton.
Mr President, I would like to make the following comment in connection with the Minutes: reference was made in the Maat report on school milk yesterday to the fact that the Community's contribution to financing shall be equal to 75% of the target price.
I bought us bus tickets to Montreal.
I bought us all Illinois Millions lotto tickets.

Alternatives:

I purchased milk yesterday.
I got some milk yesterday.
I picked up milk yesterday.
I procured milk yesterday.
I acquired milk yesterday.

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I bought 3 milks yesterday. vs I bought milk yesterday.

"I bought 3 milks yesterday."

"I bought milk yesterday."

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