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Why does fish not have a plural?
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For some nouns, like fish, there is no difference between the singular form and the plural form. Sometimes, however, people do use regular plural endings for irregular nouns, so in casual conversation you may hear fishes or elks. Some English words come from Latin, and take a Latinate plural ending.
Fishes is used to describe multiple species of fish collectively and is more scientific.
Why is fish singular and plural?
Is it correct to say fishes?
The plural of fish is usually fish. When referring to more than one species of fish, especially in a scientific context, you can use fishes as the plural. The zodiac sign Pisces is also often referred to as fishes.
Why does fish not have a plural? – Related Questions
Can we say 2 fishes?
When you are talking about more than one kind or species of fish, both ‘fish’ and ‘fishes’ are ok to use. There are many different fishes in our pond.
As a plural noun, fish is actually the newer term, but, according to the OED, it has been in use since at least 1300, and is now the more common plural form. As a verb, to fish is to capture aquatic animals through any of several methods.
Why is fish not countable?
Fish? Fish is both countable and uncountable depending on whether you mean the animal – I see three fish – or the food – I eat lots of fish. This is not the only noun like this, so be careful!
Why is the plural of salmon?
The plural form of salmon is also salmon.
Why is the plural of salmon salmon?
Salmon is the only way to make the noun salmon plural. Confusion arises because salmon remains unchanged in its plural form. Unfortunately, there is no clever way of knowing which nouns follow which rules.
What is the plural of lobster?
lobster. Plural. lobsters. The plural form of lobster; more than one (kind of) lobster.
What is the plural of shrimp?
plural shrimp or shrimps. : any of numerous mostly small and marine decapod crustaceans (suborders Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata) having a slender elongated body, a compressed abdomen, and a long spiny rostrum and including some (especially family Penaeidae) that are commercially important as food.
What is the plural of starfish?
Plural. starfish or starfishes. A starfish. (countable) A starfish is a symmetric marine animal that has five arms.
What is the plural of jellyfish?
Singular. jellyfish. Plural. jellyfish or jellyfishes. The plural form of jellyfish; more than one (kind of) jellyfish.