What is the plural of octopus?- The Hidden History of English

The correct plural of octopus is octopuses. The forms “octopi” and “octopodes” have been reanalyzed forms created by others due to the word’s history as a Greek (and Latin) loan word. However, loan words in English almost always receive the regular plural ending.

Why is the plural of deer not deers? – Hidden History of English

Deer is pluralized as ‘deer’ because of the word’s history. In old English, deer did not receive a plural ending. As English changed and developed, it retained this quirk throughout its development and remains the same to this day.

Why is the plural of moose not meese? – Hidden History of English

The plural of moose is not meese because the word was borrowed into English from a native American Algonquin language. The word “goose” has been with English for hundreds of years since the time of Old English. Old English words underwent sound changes that leave us with irregular plural forms.

Why is it Buses Instead of Busses?

The plural for bus is buses. The confusion between buses and busses likely comes from situations where English words double their final consonant. English nouns don’t do this. It happens most often for English verbs. Busses was once acceptable as a plural for bus, but it has since fallen out of use.

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