The Plurals of Special Endings: Why Mangoes Not Mangoes

Understanding the nuances of English plurals can be both fascinating and challenging. One peculiar aspect of English is how certain words that end in specific vowel plus consonant patterns can have unique plural forms. A prime example of this is the word 'mango.' While it may seem straightforward, the plural form is 'mangoes' rather than 'mangoes.' This article will delve into why this is the case and explore other similar words in English.

Introduction to English Plurals

In English, the most common plural form is created by adding an '-s' or '-es' to the word. However, there are numerous irregular forms that often stem from archaic or historical patterns. Words like 'sheep,' 'fish,' 'mango,' and 'fruit' are excellent examples of these irregularities.

The 'Sheep' and 'Fish' Plurals

Perhaps the most well-known irregular plural is 'sheep,' which remains the same in both singular and plural forms (e.g., 'one sheep, two sheep'). Another is 'fish,' which traditionally uses 'fishe' (as in 'a single fish, several fishe') but has largely adopted 'fish' as its plural form in modern usage.

Exploring the Special Pattern for Mangoes

Why then, is the word 'mango' followed by 'mangoes' rather than 'mangoes'? The answer lies in historical linguistic evolution.

The term 'mango' is derived from the Malay-Indonesian 'mangga,' which, in its plural form, became 'mangga' in Malay, and 'mangoes' in English. This means that initially, the word did not follow a predictable pattern. Over time, it has retained its original ending, 'es,' to indicate plurality.

Other Examples of Special Plurals

Several other words in English follow a similar pattern, where their plural forms differ from the regular '-es' formation. Here are a few more examples:

Fruit: 'one fruit, many fruits' Cactus: 'one cactus, two cacti' Paris: 'one Paris, two Parises' Hyphen: 'one hyphen, two hyphens'

These words, including 'mango,' have retained their special plurals due to their historical or linguistic origins, making them unique in the English language.

Conclusion: Embracing Linguistic Diversity

The English language has a rich tapestry of words with special plurals. Understanding these irregular forms is not just an academic exercise but can help in enhancing one's linguistic skills and appreciation for the diversity of language. Whether you are a native speaker or a language learner, recognizing these special patterns can add to your understanding of the language.

So, remember, the correct plural form is 'mangoes'—it's a journey through the history of language!

Further Reading and Resources

For a deeper dive into the intricacies of English plurals, consider exploring these resources:

Grammar Monster - Plurals: Special Patterns Quick and Dirty Tips - The Plurals of Words Ending in S - Four Words With Surprising Plural Forms