Quick Answer The plural of synopsis is synopses. You change the -is ending to -es. One synopsis, two synopses. Synopsis and Synopses — See the Pattern The word synopsis comes from Greek. That is why the plural does not follow the normal English rule. Instead of adding -s or -es, you change the ending. Look…
Quick Answer The plural of synthesis is syntheses. The word “synthesises” is not correct in English. One: The teacher showed us a synthesis of two ideas. More than one: The book has many syntheses of old and new theories. Synthesis Becomes Syntheses — See the Pattern Look at these words. Can you see what happens…
The term ‘referendum’ is frequently encountered in political contexts, denoting a process where voters are invited to cast their ballots on a particular proposal or issue. This Latin-derived noun has sparked discussions concerning its proper plural form—should it be ‘referendums’ following English conventions or ‘referenda’ retaining its Latin root? This question often arises because English…
Quick Answer The plural of series is series. The word never changes. One series, two series, ten series — always the same. One: I am watching a series on TV.Many: There are three series I want to watch. One Series, Two Series — See the Pattern Look at these examples. Can you see what happens?…
Quick Answer The word tongs has no singular form. You cannot say “a tong.” Say “a pair of tongs” for one and “pairs of tongs” for more than one. Tongs — Always Plural, No Singular Form Look at these sentences. Pay attention to the words in blue: Did you see the pattern? We always say…
Quick Answer The singular of means is also means. The word never changes — it looks the same for one and for many. Look at the verb to know which one it is. ✓ A bus is a means of travel. (one)✓ Buses and trains are means of travel. (many) Means and Means — See…
Quick Answer The singular of dice is die. One cube = die. Two or more cubes = dice. For example: “Roll the die” (one) vs “Roll the dice” (two or more). Die or Dice — See the Difference Look at these sentences. Can you see when we use die and when we use dice? Did…
Quick Answer Both are correct! In everyday English, we use data is. In science and academic writing, we use data are. In a chat or email: The data is ready. In a science report: The data are ready. Both Are Correct — See How People Use “Data” This is one of the few words in…
Quick Answer Bacteria is plural (more than one). The singular form is bacterium (just one). One: The bacterium is very small. Many: The bacteria are everywhere. Bacterium and Bacteria — See the Pattern Look at these sentences. Can you see the pattern? Did you notice? When we talk about one, we say bacterium. When we…
Quick Answer Alumni is plural. It means a group of people who finished school or university. The singular (one person) is alumnus (for a man) or alumna (for a woman). One: He is an alumnus of Oxford University. More than one: The alumni came back for the school party. Alumnus, Alumna, Alumni — See the…
