One of the most common mistakes made in English is the confusion between the plurals of certain words. The word “ox” is certainly no exception to this rule, as many people get confused about whether the plural form should be “oxes” or “oxs”. In this concise guide, I will provide you with a clear explanation of the correct plural form and support it with relevant examples.
Let’s dive straight into it. The correct plural form of “ox” is indeed “oxen.” This may come as a surprise to many, as it is an irregular plural. Unlike most nouns in English that simply add an “s” to become plural, “ox” changes its entire spelling. This irregularity can be attributed to its Old English origins.
Now, let me explain the irregular plural form of “oxen” using a few relatable examples. Imagine you have one ox, and you need to refer to multiple oxen. In this case, you would say, “I saw a group of oxen in the field.” Here, “oxen” is the plural form of “ox.” Similarly, if you have a pair of oxen, you would say, “These two oxen belong to the farmer.”
It’s important to note that the plural form “oxen” is not commonly used in everyday conversation. In modern English, the singular form “ox” is often used as both singular and plural. For instance, you might hear someone say, “I saw five ox in the pasture” instead of “I saw five oxen in the pasture.” While this usage may be more informal, it has become widely accepted in contemporary English language use.
To further grasp the concept, let me provide you with another example of an irregular plural. Consider the word “child.” The plural form of “child” is “children.” Similarly, the plural form of “ox” is “oxen.” Both words demonstrate a deviation from the general rule of adding “s” to form the plural.
In conclusion, the correct plural form of “ox” is “oxen.” While the irregularity may seem peculiar at first, it is important to familiarize yourself with these exceptions to ensure accurate usage in both spoken and written English. Remember, the plural form “oxen” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, and “ox” is often used as both singular and plural. It’s all about understanding the nuances of the English language and adapting to the conventions of contemporary usage. Now that you know the correct plural form, you can confidently navigate through any discussions involving these majestic animals without hesitation.