
Is Hippopotamus both singular and plural?
Answer
414.6k+ views
1 likes
Hint: The word ‘singular’ denotes the quantity of one. In simple words, it is used to refer to a person or thing that is one. The plural, on the other hand, is used to denote a person or thing that is more than one. For example, Pencil is singular whereas pencils are plural.
Complete answer:
The hippopotamus is an animal that is singular if we see it in the context of singular and plural. The correct spelling of plural depends on what the singular word ends in. It is a common rule that to change a word from singular to plural ‘s’ is added at the end of the word. However, there are different rules for different words.
Different rules are applied regarding pluralization depending on what the singular word ends in. If the singular word ends with ‘s’, ‘sh’, or ‘ss, then ‘es’ is added to make the word plural. The hippopotamus is a word that ends with the letter ‘s’ and to make it plural ‘es’ must be added at the end.
Hence, the plural form of Hippopotamus is Hippopotamuses. However, some English and Latin words have unpredictable plurals. The word ‘Hippopotami’ is also accepted as a plural of Hippopotamus.
We can conclude, Hippopotamus is not both singular and plural. A Hippopotamus is singular whereas the plural form of the same is Hippopotamuses or Hippopotami.
Note:
- Most singular nouns are made plural by simply adding an ‘s’ at the end of the word.
- There are some nouns that do not follow any rule of pluralization and must therefore be memorized.
Complete answer:
The hippopotamus is an animal that is singular if we see it in the context of singular and plural. The correct spelling of plural depends on what the singular word ends in. It is a common rule that to change a word from singular to plural ‘s’ is added at the end of the word. However, there are different rules for different words.
Different rules are applied regarding pluralization depending on what the singular word ends in. If the singular word ends with ‘s’, ‘sh’, or ‘ss, then ‘es’ is added to make the word plural. The hippopotamus is a word that ends with the letter ‘s’ and to make it plural ‘es’ must be added at the end.
Hence, the plural form of Hippopotamus is Hippopotamuses. However, some English and Latin words have unpredictable plurals. The word ‘Hippopotami’ is also accepted as a plural of Hippopotamus.
We can conclude, Hippopotamus is not both singular and plural. A Hippopotamus is singular whereas the plural form of the same is Hippopotamuses or Hippopotami.
Note:
- Most singular nouns are made plural by simply adding an ‘s’ at the end of the word.
- There are some nouns that do not follow any rule of pluralization and must therefore be memorized.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Full Form of IASDMIPSIFSIRSPOLICE class 7 social science CBSE

The southernmost point of the Indian mainland is known class 7 social studies CBSE

Convert 200 Million dollars in rupees class 7 maths CBSE

What is meant by Indian Standard Time Why do we need class 7 social science CBSE

List of coprime numbers from 1 to 100 class 7 maths CBSE

AIM To prepare stained temporary mount of onion peel class 7 biology CBSE
