Quick Answer The plural of focus is focuses or foci. Both are correct. Use focuses in everyday English and foci in science or math. Focuses and Foci — See How They Work The word focus comes from Latin. That is why it has two plural forms. Look at these examples: Did you see the pattern?…
Quick Answer The plural of erratum is errata. One erratum means one mistake in a printed text. Two or more mistakes are called errata. Erratum and Errata — See the Pattern Look at these sentences: Did you see the pattern? When there is one mistake, we say erratum. When there are two or more, we…
Quick Answer The plural of dogma is dogmas. Just add -s. You might see dogmata in old books, but it is very rare today. One: The church has one dogma about this topic. More than one: The church has many dogmas. Dogma, Dogmas — See the Pattern The word dogma comes from Greek. Some Greek…
Quick Answer The plural of beau is beaus or beaux. Both are correct. A beau is a boyfriend or male admirer. One: She has one beau. More than one: She has two beaus. Beau, Beaus, Beaux — See the Pattern The word beau comes from French. It means “beautiful” or “handsome.” In English, we use…
The word “basis” is one such noun that often causes perplexity among those trying to grasp the conventions of English spelling and grammar. As with many English words that end in “-is,” “basis” does not follow the simple rule of adding an “s” to form its plural. Instead, the term “bases” is the correct plural…
Quick Answer The plural of appendix is appendices (in books and documents) or appendixes (in medicine). Example: “The report has three appendices at the end.” Appendix, Appendices, Appendixes — See the Pattern Look at these sentences. Can you see what changes? Did you see the pattern? When you talk about one, you say appendix. When…
Quick Answer The plural of apex is apexes or apices. Both are correct. Use “apexes” in everyday English. Use “apices” in formal or scientific writing. Apex, Apexes, Apices — See the Pattern Look at these sentences. The key words are in blue: Did you see the pattern? “Apex” means the very top or highest point…
While the general rules for pluralization in English often involve adding an “s” or “es,” some words, particularly those borrowed from other languages, retain their original plural forms, and “antenna” is such an example. British English also occasionally uses “antennae” when referring to multiple sensory organs of insects, but it is more likely to use…
