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Let us say a new gym member wants a gym coach to train for the first. So what would be correct:

The coach agreed to give the client a workout.

The coach agreed to give the client a training.

Tell me please what is the natural way say that!

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  • To use "train", it would be simpler to say, "The coach agreed to train the client."
    – fixer1234
    Sep 9, 2018 at 15:51
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    @fixer1234: Or if you wanted to be clear that this was a one time thing, something like "The coach agreed to give the client an initial training session."
    – jamesqf
    Sep 9, 2018 at 17:21

2 Answers 2

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The first sentence (workout) would be fine if the workout is a single training session.

If you look up training in the Cambridge Dictionary, you will see that it says noun U: the U means that it is uncountable. With uncountable nouns, you don't use the indefinite article a, so your second sentence is incorrect as it stands.

If you want to talk about a single session, you could say a training session. If the training might over several sessions, you could say some training.

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  • Yes, a training session, or a workout.
    – Lambie
    Sep 9, 2018 at 14:28
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    “To give someone a workout” maybe should be avoided because that specific choice of words can have another (slang - sexual) meaning.
    – James
    Sep 9, 2018 at 17:44
  • @James Well, yes,but here it is OK I would think. To oversee a workout. To help with a workout.
    – Lambie
    Sep 9, 2018 at 19:05
  • Agree with @Lambie in this context it’s fine, just be aware of the other meaning.
    – James
    Sep 9, 2018 at 19:13
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We don't normally say a training since it is non-count, but a training session or simply training.

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  • Would you actually say "The coach agreed to give the client training."?
    – JavaLatte
    Sep 9, 2018 at 13:42
  • @JavaLatte: I think in OP's context (judging from earlier questions asked) the coach is an exercise coach, and in that context I don't see anything amiss with The coach agreed to give the client training but I'm not sure of the exact context. Perhaps The coach agreed to give the prospective client a free introductory training session.
    – TimR
    Sep 9, 2018 at 14:24
  • We never say "a training" in any event.
    – Lambie
    Sep 9, 2018 at 14:27

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