What’s the Plural of Species: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms
Quick Answer
The plural of species is species. The word never changes. One species, many species — always the same.
One: This species is very rare.
Many: These species are all endangered.
One Species, Two Species — The Word Never Changes
Look at these sentences. Can you see what happens?
- one species → two species
- one sheep → two sheep
- one deer → two deer
- one fish → two fish
Did you see the pattern? Some English words stay exactly the same for one or for many. Species is one of these words. You do not add -s, -es, or anything else.
| One (singular) | More than one (plural) |
|---|---|
| species | species |
| sheep | sheep |
| deer | deer |
| fish | fish |
How to Tell if Species Means One or Many
If the word never changes, how do you know if someone means one species or many? You look at the words around it. These small words tell you everything.
Words that show ONE species:
- this species → This species is beautiful.
- a species → A species was discovered last year.
- one species → Only one species lives here.
Words that show MANY species:
- these species → These species are endangered.
- many species → Many species live in the ocean.
- several species → Several species were found.
Easy way to remember: Look at the verb. If it is is or was, it is one. If it is are or were, it is many.
The Rule in One Line: Species never changes — one species, many species. Use the verb to show one or many.
How to Use Species in Everyday English
- This species of bird can copy the sound of a phone. (one type of bird)
- Scientists discovered a new species of fish in the deep ocean. (one new type)
- There are thousands of species of insects in the world. (many types)
- Some species of plant only grow in one country. (more than one type)
- The species is in danger because people are cutting down the forest. (one type)
You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make with this word.
Three Mistakes to Avoid With Species
Even advanced learners get confused by this word — so if you make a mistake, you are not alone. The word species comes from Latin, and Latin words often break the normal English rules.
Mistake 1: Using “specie” for one
✗ A new specie was found in the cave.
✓ A new species was found in the cave.
Mistake 2: Adding -es for many
✗ Many specieses live in the rainforest.
✓ Many species live in the rainforest.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong verb
✗ This species are endangered.
✓ This species is endangered.
✗ These species is endangered.
✓ These species are endangered.
How to remember: The word “specie” does exist in English, but it means coins or metal money — it has nothing to do with animals or plants. If you are talking about a type of animal, the word is always species.
Other words that stay the same: sheep → sheep, deer → deer, fish → fish, aircraft → aircraft.
Test Yourself: Species — Singular or Plural?
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. This _______ is very rare and lives only in one forest.
2. Many _______ of birds live in the Amazon rainforest.
3. Scientists found a new _______ of butterfly last year.
4. These three _______ are all in danger.
5. One _______ of bird can copy the sound of a phone ringing.
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned that species never changes — one species, many species, always the same. That is one more word you will never get wrong again.
But not every word from Latin works like this. The word fungus has a completely different plural. It does not stay the same, and it does not just add -s. Can you guess what the plural of fungus is? Most people get it wrong.
Next lesson: What Is the Plural of Fungus?
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My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
