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Plural of Hypothesis

What is the plural of hypothesis.

The Quick Answer

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Are You Good at Plurals?

The standard rules for forming the plurals.

Type Example of Type Forming the Plural Plural
Most Nouns add s
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z add es
Nouns ending [consonant] o add either s or es
(There are no rules for this - you have to know.)
Nouns ending [vowel] o add s
Nouns ending [consonant] y change the y to an i and add es
Nouns ending [vowel] y add s
Nouns ending f or fe ves and/or s
(There are no rules - you have to know.)
Nouns ending is
change the "is" to "es"
Exceptions some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change
More exceptions some nouns do not change at all
Foreign rulings some nouns adopt foreign rulings

Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Hypothesis?

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ESLBUZZ

Plural of Hypothesis: Rules and Examples

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: November 13, 2023

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The plural of hypothesis is a topic of much debate among scientists and researchers. While some argue that “hypotheses” is the correct plural form, others insist that “hypothese” is the proper way to refer to multiple hypotheses. So, which one is correct? In this article, we will explore the history and etymology of the word “hypothesis” and examine the different arguments for each plural form. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the plural of “hypothesis” and be equipped to use it accurately in your scientific writing.

Plural of Hypothesis

Plural of Hypothesis: Rules and Examples

Definition and Plural of Hypothesis

If you are a scientist or a researcher, you are probably familiar with the term “hypothesis.” A hypothesis is an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved. It is often used as a starting point for scientific research.

There are several key components of a hypothesis:

  • Testability: A hypothesis must be testable through experimentation or observation. This means that it must be possible to collect data that can either support or refute the hypothesis.
  • Falsifiability: A hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning that it can be proven false if it is not supported by the data. This is important because it allows scientists to eliminate incorrect explanations and focus on more accurate ones.
  • Specificity: A hypothesis must be specific in its predictions. It should clearly state what is being tested and what the expected outcome is.
  • Relevance: A hypothesis must be relevant to the research question or problem being addressed. It should be based on existing knowledge and observations related to the phenomenon being studied.

The plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses.” Scientists base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot be explained with the available scientific theories. Experimenters may test and reject several hypotheses before solving a problem. The noun “hypothesis” has a Greek root, which is the derivation of the plural “hypotheses.”

It is important to note that a hypothesis is not a proven fact. It is simply an idea that can be tested and either confirmed or rejected through experiments or further research. A hypothesis is often used to explain a phenomenon or to predict the outcome of an experiment.

In scientific research, hypotheses are crucial for advancing knowledge and understanding of the world around us. They help researchers to identify the gaps in current knowledge and to develop new theories and explanations. Hypotheses are also used to guide experiments and to determine the best methods for collecting and analyzing data.

When to Use Hypothesis and Plural of Hypothesis

When conducting scientific research, it is important to understand when to use the singular form “hypothesis” and when to use the plural form “hypotheses.” A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation or observation. Scientists use hypotheses to guide their research and to make predictions about the outcomes of experiments.

When discussing a single proposed explanation, you would use the singular form “hypothesis.” For example, “My hypothesis is that increased exposure to sunlight will lead to increased plant growth.”

On the other hand, when discussing multiple proposed explanations, you would use the plural form “hypotheses.” For example, “The researchers tested several hypotheses before arriving at a conclusion.”

It is important to note that the plural form “hypotheses” is not used to refer to multiple instances of the same hypothesis. In this case, you would still use the singular form “hypothesis.” For example, “The experiment was conducted multiple times to test the same hypothesis.”

Examples of Hypothesis and Plural of Hypothesis in Sentences

When it comes to forming the plural of hypothesis, it’s important to remember that “hypotheses” is the only way to make the noun “hypothesis” plural. Here are a few examples of how to use “hypothesis” and “hypotheses” in sentences:

Using “hypothesis”: 

  • You have developed a hypothesis about the cause of the problem.
  • My hypothesis is that the new treatment will improve patient outcomes.
  • The scientist presented a compelling hypothesis about the origin of the universe.
  • Before conducting any experiments, it’s important to develop a hypothesis to guide your research.

Using “hypotheses”: 

  • The team’s hypotheses were all based on sound scientific principles, but only one was ultimately proven correct.
  • The researchers had to revise their hypotheses several times as they collected more data.
  • Without testing multiple hypotheses, it’s difficult to determine which one is the most accurate explanation for a given phenomenon.
  • The team’s hypotheses were all based on different assumptions, which made it difficult to determine which one was correct.

As you can see, the plural form of “hypothesis” is used when referring to multiple hypotheses. It’s important to use the correct plural form to ensure clear communication.

In addition to using “hypotheses” as the plural form, it’s also important to use the correct verb agreement. For example:

Correct:  The hypotheses were tested.

Incorrect:  The hypotheses was tested.

Using the correct verb agreement is just as important as using the correct plural form.

Plural Noun Rules For Regular Nouns

When it comes to making nouns plural, there are a few rules that you should keep in mind. In this section, we’ll cover the rules for both regular and irregular nouns.

  • Most regular nouns form their plurals by adding -s to the end of the singular form. For example, “car” becomes “cars”, “book” becomes “books”, and “desk” becomes “desks”.
  • If the singular noun ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, add -es to the end to form the plural. For example, “box” becomes “boxes”, “buzz” becomes “buzzes”, “wish” becomes “wishes”, and “church” becomes “churches”.
  • If the singular noun ends in a consonant followed by -y, change the -y to -ies to form the plural. For example, “city” becomes “cities”, “baby” becomes “babies”, and “party” becomes “parties”.
  • If the singular noun ends in a vowel followed by -y, add -s to form the plural. For example, “key” becomes “keys”, “boy” becomes “boys”, and “day” becomes “days”.
  • If the singular noun ends in -f or -fe, change the -f or -fe to -ves to form the plural. For example, “knife” becomes “knives”, “life” becomes “lives”, and “leaf” becomes “leaves”.
  • If the singular noun ends in a consonant followed by -o, add -es to form the plural. For example, “potato” becomes “potatoes”, “hero” becomes “heroes”, and “tomato” becomes “tomatoes”.
  • If the singular noun ends in a vowel followed by -o, add -s to form the plural. For example, “studio” becomes “studios”, “zoo” becomes “zoos”, and “radio” becomes “radios”.

Remember, these are just the basic plural noun rules for regular nouns. There are always exceptions and irregular nouns that follow different rules for forming plurals.

Plural Noun Rules For Irregular Nouns

List of common irregular plural nouns.

Here is a list of some of the most common irregular plural nouns in English:

Child Children
Foot Feet
Mouse Mice
Tooth Teeth
Person People
Goose Geese
Man Men
Woman Women

Remember, when it comes to making nouns plural, it’s important to follow the rules for each individual noun. By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll be able to make any noun plural with ease.

Nouns That End in Us

Nouns that end in “us” in their singular form usually have “i” added to the end to form the plural. For example:

  • Plural: cacti
  • Plural: fungi
  • Plural: nuclei

Nouns  That End in Is

Nouns that end in “is” in their singular form usually have “es” added to the end to form the plural. For example:

  • Plural: bases
  • Plural: analyses
  • Plural: hypotheses

Nouns That End in On and Um

Nouns that end in “on” or “um” in their singular form usually have “a” added to the end to form the plural. For example:

  • Plural: criteria
  • Plural: phenomena
  • Plural: curricula

It’s important to note that there are many exceptions to these rules, and some nouns have irregular plural forms that don’t follow any specific pattern. However, by knowing these basic rules, you can form the plural of many nouns correctly.

Plurals That Are the Same as Singulars

Some words in English have the same form for both singular and plural. These are known as “singularia tantum” or “pluralia tantum” words. “Hypothesis” is not one of them, but it is important to be aware of these types of words.

Here are some examples of singularia tantum words:

These words do not have a separate plural form, and they are always used in their singular form, even when referring to multiple items.

It’s important to remember that these words do not follow the usual rules of English grammar, and they can be confusing for non-native speakers.

In contrast, “hypothesis” follows the usual rules of English grammar and has a separate plural form, “hypotheses.” It’s important to use the correct plural form when referring to multiple hypotheses in academic or scientific writing.

Words That Look Like Plural Nouns but Are Singular Nouns

In the English language, there are several words that look like they are plural nouns, but they are actually singular nouns. These words can be quite confusing, especially when it comes to using them in sentences. Here are some examples of such words:

  • Mathematics
  • Linguistics

It’s important to keep in mind that using these words correctly can help you sound more knowledgeable and confident in your writing. So, take some time to review the proper usage of these words and make sure you are using them correctly in your writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plural form of hypothesis?

The plural form of hypothesis is ‘hypotheses’.

How do you use ‘hypotheses’ in a sentence?

You can use ‘hypotheses’ in a sentence by replacing the singular ‘hypothesis’ with the plural form. For example, “The scientist tested multiple hypotheses to explain the results.”

What is the difference between hypothesis and hypotheses?

‘Hypothesis’ is the singular form of the word, while ‘hypotheses’ is the plural form.

Can you give some examples of hypotheses?

Sure! Here are some examples of hypotheses:

  • If I study for three hours a day, my grades will improve.
  • Eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • People who exercise regularly are more likely to live longer.

What are the grammar rules for forming plurals?

The rules for forming plurals vary depending on the word. For most nouns, you simply add an ‘s’ to the end of the word. For nouns that end in ‘s’, ‘x’, ‘z’, ‘ch’, or ‘sh’, you add ‘es’ to the end. There are some exceptions to these rules, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re unsure.

The plural form of hypothesis is 'hypotheses'.

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You can use 'hypotheses' in a sentence by replacing the singular 'hypothesis' with the plural form. For example, \"The scientist tested multiple hypotheses to explain the results.\"

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'Hypothesis' is the singular form of the word, while 'hypotheses' is the plural form.

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"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the grammar rules for forming plurals?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The rules for forming plurals vary depending on the word. For most nouns, you simply add an 's' to the end of the word. For nouns that end in 's', 'x', 'z', 'ch', or 'sh', you add 'es' to the end. There are some exceptions to these rules, so it's always a good idea to double-check if you're unsure.

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Using the correct plural form is important because it helps to ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand. It also shows that you have a good understanding of grammar, which can be important in academic or professional settings.

I hope this section has helped answer some of your questions about the plural form of hypothesis!

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What’s the Plural of Hypothesis?

  • November 19, 2022

plural nouns hypothesis

The plural of “hypothesis”

  • The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses (sounds like hi-paw-thuh-sea s).
  • Hypotheses is the only recognized plural of hypothesis .

What’s with the word hypothesis , and why does it behave the way it does from its singular to plural form? Keep reading.

The correct use of hypotheses (plural) in setences.

What’s the meaning of hypothesis?

Hypothesis comes from the Greek word of the same spelling,  hypothesis , meaning, “base, groundwork, foundation”. Hypothesis is made up of the Greek root words, hypo + thesis : “ hypo ” meaning “under” or “placing under”; “ thesis “, meaning “a placing, proposition”, (from Etymonline ).

So, based on the noun’s construction, hypothesis means to put or set forward a thesis or proposal to be subject to further investigating. According to Wikipedia , hypotheses are:

Tentative conjectures explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. Wikipedia on the word hypothesis.

Why is “hypotheses” plural for “hypothesis”?

"Hypothesis" (singular) in sentence examples.

Lots of people confuse the plural of hypothesis , and it’s not tough to see why: hypothesis is an irregular plural noun form that omits the -s/-es of regular plural nouns . Apart from this, the way hypothesis modifies from singular to plural effectively changes the spelling and pronunciation of the word by substituting the -sis as a singular to – ses plural.

Most nouns add an -s/-es to denote plural. Hypothesis , and similar sounding nouns such as crisis , thesis , oasis , nemesis , diagnosis , analysis and so on, all change to -ses in their plural forms.

Nouns that end in “sis”

Each of these irregular plural nouns have another thing in common: they’re all Greek words that use Greek suffixes.  So, in case you didn’t know, we all speak a bit of Greek.

crises
hypothesishypotheses

Examples of “hypothesis” (singular) in sentences

Other chemists rejected his hypothesis .
What we need is a general hypothesis to explain merger waves.
Their hypothesis is that watching excessive amounts of television reduces a person’s ability to concentrate.
The results of the experiment did not support his hypothesis .
She wrote something to summarize her hypothesis .

Examples of “hypotheses” (plural) in sentences

It will be evident that no direct record of this evolution can be expected, and recourse must be had to hypotheses founded on the indirect evidence available.
The hypotheses which carried it back to the early years of the Christian era have been wholly abandoned.
Various hypotheses have been put forward to explain this increase.
In the above work we have a combination of the redaction and sources hypotheses .
Such hypotheses attend to Aristotle’s philosophy to the neglect of his life.

Synonyms of “hypothesis”

  • supposition
  • proposition
  • explanation
  • interpretation

Read about other irregular plurals

  • What’s the plural of bison?
  • What’s the plural of moose?
  • What’s the plural of sheep?
  • What’s the plural of ox?
  • What’s the plural of cactus?
  • What’s the plural of crisis?

Origin of “hypothesis”

From etymonline:

1590s, “a particular statement;” 1650s, “a proposition, assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise,” from French hypothese and directly from Late Latin hypothesis , from Greek hypothesis .
  • Wikipedia hypothesis.
  • Synonyms for hypothesis.
  • Hypotheses sentence examples.
  • Origin of hypothesis.

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Definition of hypothesis

Did you know.

The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true.

In the scientific method, the hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research has been done, apart from a basic background review. You ask a question, read up on what has been studied before, and then form a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is usually tentative; it's an assumption or suggestion made strictly for the objective of being tested.

A theory , in contrast, is a principle that has been formed as an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data. It is used in the names of a number of principles accepted in the scientific community, such as the Big Bang Theory . Because of the rigors of experimentation and control, it is understood to be more likely to be true than a hypothesis is.

In non-scientific use, however, hypothesis and theory are often used interchangeably to mean simply an idea, speculation, or hunch, with theory being the more common choice.

Since this casual use does away with the distinctions upheld by the scientific community, hypothesis and theory are prone to being wrongly interpreted even when they are encountered in scientific contexts—or at least, contexts that allude to scientific study without making the critical distinction that scientists employ when weighing hypotheses and theories.

The most common occurrence is when theory is interpreted—and sometimes even gleefully seized upon—to mean something having less truth value than other scientific principles. (The word law applies to principles so firmly established that they are almost never questioned, such as the law of gravity.)

This mistake is one of projection: since we use theory in general to mean something lightly speculated, then it's implied that scientists must be talking about the same level of uncertainty when they use theory to refer to their well-tested and reasoned principles.

The distinction has come to the forefront particularly on occasions when the content of science curricula in schools has been challenged—notably, when a school board in Georgia put stickers on textbooks stating that evolution was "a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things." As Kenneth R. Miller, a cell biologist at Brown University, has said , a theory "doesn’t mean a hunch or a guess. A theory is a system of explanations that ties together a whole bunch of facts. It not only explains those facts, but predicts what you ought to find from other observations and experiments.”

While theories are never completely infallible, they form the basis of scientific reasoning because, as Miller said "to the best of our ability, we’ve tested them, and they’ve held up."

  • proposition
  • supposition

hypothesis , theory , law mean a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature.

hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

Examples of hypothesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypothesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put — more at do

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hypothesis

  • counter - hypothesis
  • nebular hypothesis
  • null hypothesis
  • planetesimal hypothesis
  • Whorfian hypothesis

Articles Related to hypothesis

hypothesis

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This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesis

hypothermia

hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of hypothesis, medical definition, medical definition of hypothesis, more from merriam-webster on hypothesis.

Nglish: Translation of hypothesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of hypothesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

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plural nouns hypothesis

The Plural of Hypothesis: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

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Ever get stuck wondering what the plural form of hypothesis is in English? Perfect! This article will tell you just that plus give more facts about the word hypothesis, synonyms like a thesaurus, examples, and the history of the word. You will no doubt be an expert on all things surrounding the word hypothesis by the end of this article.

plural nouns hypothesis

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What Is The Definition Of Hypothesis

As found in the Meriam Webster Dictionary 

  • An assumption or concession made for the sake of argument
  • an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action
  • a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
  • the antecedent clause of a conditional statement

As found in the Cambridge Dictionary

  • an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved: several hypotheses for global warming have been suggested.

In “The Origin of Hypothesis” it is phrased as a ‘scientific guess’. In the context of science, a hypothesis is a placeholder for a theory until it is proven by science to be accurate.

A scientific hypothesis sed to explain something occurring in our universe that currently does not fit into our current available scientific theories. Scientific hypotheses also include null hypothesis, working hypothesis, and alternative hypothesis. 

plural nouns hypothesis

History and Origin of The Word

From the Greek hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put. The first use of the word hypothesis can be traced back to 1596. Issac Newton actually rejected the hypothesis, he said “Hypotheses non fingo” which translates to “I Frame no hypotheses”. This was back in 1721 in Issac Newton’s book “Opticks, or A Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions, Inflections, and Colours of Light”

What Is More Than One Hypothesis Called?

The plural form of the hypothesis is hypotheses. This is the only way in the English language to make hypothesis plural. Because of the Greek origin, the rule of making a noun that ends in “is” to change it to “es.”

  • Assumption – Something taken for granted
  • Postulate- suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
  • Rationale – Logic for belief, action
  • Previous observations- things that were seen or experienced in the past
  • Supposition – guess, belief
  • Theorem – explanation based on hypothesis and experiments done by experimenters using the scientific method
  • Thesis – belief, assumption to be tested
  • Conjecture – speculation, assumption
  • Conclusion – end
  • Tentative Explanation – clarification; reason
  • Guess – belief, speculation 
  • Interpretation – understanding
  • Premise – hypothesis, argument

What Is The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory?

Since we now know that a hypothesis is a guess or assumption, how is that different from a theory? The definition of a theory is “a supposition or system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained”. 

Although we might think of a theory as something that has not been 100% proven, its definition in the application of science is something that has been tested as an explanation for things occurring. It is still an explanation that is thought of as true until proven otherwise, the difference here is that a hypothesis is thought to explain something not yet tested and could also be thought of as an unproved theory or suggested explanation.

Follow these examples to see the difference in action:

  • Fact: “The clouds are dark outside.” 
  • Hypothesis: “It might storm today.”
  • Theory: “Rain clouds are dark because of their particulate density. The denser the water droplets are in the cloud the more light will be scattered, which will lead to a darker appearance.”
  • Fact: “Light roast coffee has more caffeine than dark roast coffee”
  • Hypothesis: “I should drink a cup of light roast coffee if I want more caffeine”
  • Theory: “During the roasting process caffeine is slowly burned off, therefore it is true that light roast coffee has more caffeine. You should however choose dark roast if you want more caffeine per cup because although per bean light roast has more caffeine, per gram of coffee dark roast contains more caffeine. This is because you have to consider the percent of weight loss that occurs with roasting a coffee to a dark level, which is higher than the percent of caffeine lost, therefore you have more caffeine per gram in dark roast over light roast, only by a minuscule amount.”

What Is The Difference Between An Idea and Hypothesis?

Since a hypothesis is an idea that can be tested, here are some examples of what is just an idea and can’t be tested followed by a similar idea that can be tested and is a hypothesis.

  • Idea: Biden would be a better president vs Trump – Can not be tested since we have no data. 
  • Hypothesis: Obama did a better job at fixing unemployment vs Bush – can be tested by looking at the data.
  • Idea: I could have been the best disc golfer if I started playing when I was a kid – Impossible to test
  • Hypothesis: Paul McBeth probably hit more circle 2 putts on tour last year than Ricky Wysocki. – Can be proven by looking at the data for all their putts on the PDGA tour last year.

Example Sentences In Context

The following are examples of hypothesis in context:

“We came up with the assumptions and then narrowed them down to one hypothesis for each category.” – Forbes

“The notion of hypothesis testing has recently invaded the practice of entrepreneurship as a tool to construct of new ventures” – Forbes

“There’s not one unifying hypothesis as to why, but there’s probably five to 20 different things that have contributed to it.” – USA Today

“Most thinkers or hypothesists of any degree of sobriety allow, that an hypothesis…is not to be received as probably true because it accounts for all the known phenomena since this is a condition sometimes fulfilled tolerably well by two conflicting hypotheses…while there are probably a thousand more which are equally possible, but which, for want of anything analogous in our experience, our minds are unfitted to conceive” – Underdetermination of Scientific Theory

“The expensive tissue hypothesis was focused on human brains and it was never intended as a one-size-fits-all possible explanation that applied across all mammals. The original paper even said that “the cost of the additional brain tissue could have been met by strategies other than a reduction in gut size.” – National Geographic

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What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

past tense for

What is the plural form of the word "hypothesis"? The plural form (meaning multiples) of the base word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." Nouns can identify places, people, animals, and other things. They are the basic materials required to construct sentences. There are different types of nouns , including proper nouns , common nouns , compound nouns , collective nouns , abstract nouns , and countable and uncountable nouns.

What is the plural of Hypothesis?

The plural form of the word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses". Forming plural nouns can be difficult. To form the plural form of the word, you'll base it on the last letter or last two letters of the singular word form.

The word "hypothesis" is considered a common noun .

Sentence examples for the plural of "Hypothesis"

  • Example 1: There are multiple hypotheses.
  • Example 2: I can see multiple hypotheses.
  • Example 3: Over there could be more hypotheses.

For more examples, see the definition of the word hypothesis .

My experience with plural forms...

When it comes to plural forms, I was always confused! Just like you, I would be looking up the singular words plural formation...

Here are some really simple tricks that helps me remember plural forms:

  • Did you know that most plurals are formed by adding an -s to the end of the word? Yes!
  • If the noun ends in a consonant plus "–y," form the plural by swapping the "–y" for "–ies."
  • If the noun ends in "–ch," "-s," "-sh," "-x," or "-z," form the plural by adding "–es."

plural nouns hypothesis

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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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plural nouns hypothesis

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plural nouns hypothesis

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  • Abbreviations
  • Editorial Policy
  • 1.1 Etymology
  • 1.2 Pronunciation
  • 1.3.1 Synonyms
  • 1.3.2 Derived terms
  • 1.3.3 Translations
  • 2.1 Etymology
  • 2.2 Pronunciation
  • 2.3.1 Declension

Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese , from Late Latin hypothesis , from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ base, basis of an argument, supposition ” , literally “ a placing under ” ) , itself from ὑποτίθημι ( hupotíthēmi , “ I set before, suggest ” ) , from ὑπό ( hupó , “ below ” ) + τίθημι ( títhēmi , “ I put, place ” ) .

Pronunciation

  • ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /hɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /həˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /-əsəs/ , /-əsɪs/
  • ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɑː.θə.sɪs/
Audio ( ): ( )

hypothesis ( plural hypotheses )

  • 2001 September 27, Terrie E. Moffitt, Avshalom Caspi, Michael Rutter, Phil A. Silva, Sex Differences in Antisocial Behaviour: Conduct Disorder, Delinquency, and Violence in the Dunedin Longitudinal Study ‎ [1] , Cambridge University Press , →ISBN , page 151 : This hypothesis goes by many names, including group resistence, the threshold effect, and the gender paradox. Because the hypothesis holds such wide appeal, it is worth revisiting the logic behind it. The hypothesis is built on the factual observation that fewer females than males act antisocially.
  • 2005 , Ronald H. Pine, http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/intelligent_design_or_no_model_creationism , 15 October 2005: Far too many of us have been taught in school that a scientist, in the course of trying to figure something out, will first come up with a " hypothesis " (a guess or surmise—not necessarily even an "educated" guess). ... [But t]he word " hypothesis " should be used, in science, exclusively for a reasoned, sensible, knowledge-informed explanation for why some phenomenon exists or occurs. An hypothesis can be as yet untested; can have already been tested; may have been falsified; may have not yet been falsified, although tested; or may have been tested in a myriad of ways countless times without being falsified; and it may come to be universally accepted by the scientific community. An understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, requires a grasp of the principles underlying Occam's Razor and Karl Popper's thought in regard to " falsifiability "—including the notion that any respectable scientific hypothesis must, in principle, be "capable of" being proven wrong (if it should, in fact, just happen to be wrong), but none can ever be proved to be true. One aspect of a proper understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, is that only a vanishingly small percentage of hypotheses could ever potentially become a theory.
  • ( general ) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation .
  • ( grammar ) The antecedent of a conditional statement .
  • supposition
  • educated guess
  • See also Thesaurus:supposition

Derived terms

  • alternative hypothesis
  • aquatic ape hypothesis
  • Avogadro's hypothesis
  • conspiracy hypothesis
  • continuum hypothesis
  • cosmic censorship hypothesis
  • documentary hypothesis
  • efficient market hypothesis
  • ergodic hypothesis
  • expectations hypothesis
  • Fisher hypothesis
  • Gaia hypothesis
  • generalized continuum hypothesis
  • God hypothesis
  • Griesbach hypothesis
  • hypothesize
  • hypothetical
  • hypothetically
  • interface hypothesis
  • just-world hypothesis
  • level-ordering hypothesis
  • mafia hypothesis
  • Medea hypothesis
  • Monro-Kellie hypothesis
  • null hypothesis
  • Omphalos hypothesis
  • Out of India hypothesis
  • ovulatory shift hypothesis
  • permanent income hypothesis
  • Prout's hypothesis
  • Rare Earth hypothesis
  • Red Queen hypothesis
  • Riemann hypothesis
  • Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
  • Schinzel's hypothesis H
  • sexy son hypothesis
  • simulation hypothesis
  • swoon hypothesis
  • trickle-down hypothesis
  • trickle down hypothesis
  • Wellhausen's hypothesis
  • working hypothesis
  • zombie hypothesis

Translations

        (farḍiyya)   (varkac),   (hipotʻez) ,   (hipóteza),   (prypuščénnje)   (onukolpo)     (hipotéza)     (gaa syut ), (gaa cit ), (gaa ding )   (jiǎshuō),   (jiǎshè),   (jiǎdìng)     ,             ,                   (hiṗoteza)         (ypóthesi)   (hipotezá),     (hash'ará)     (parikalpanā)                 (かせつ, kasetsu) (gipoteza),   (boljam)   (sɑmmaʼtekam)   (gaseol) (grîmane) ,   (gipoteza)   (som mut ti thān)             (hipotéza)     (taamaglal), (gipotez)           (farzya)   (farziye),   (engâšte),   (pendâšte)     ,                 (gipóteza),     (predpoložénije)         ,             , (farziya), (gipoteza) (gipoteza)   (sǒm-mút-dtì-tǎan)   ,   ,     (hipóteza),   (prypúščennja),   (zasnóvok)   (farziyā) (gipotëza)   ,     ( )
  (prypuščénnje)     (predpoložénie)       (jiǎshè),   (jiǎdìng),   (jiǎshuō),   (qiántí)     ,           ,     ,   ,               (hanakhá)   ,         (かてい, katei)   (gajeong) (grîmane) (takdir)             ,         (predpoložénije),     (gipóteza)           (prypúščennja)   ,  
      (jiǎshè)               (gajeongbeop)            
)     )     , )   , )   )   (farziye), )   (negare) )     )     )  

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ hypothesis ” , noun ) .

  • ( Classical Latin ) IPA ( key ) : /hyˈpo.tʰe.sis/ , [hʏˈpɔt̪ʰɛs̠ɪs̠]
  • ( modern Italianate Ecclesiastical ) IPA ( key ) : /iˈpo.te.sis/ , [iˈpɔːt̪es̬is]

hypothesis   f ( genitive hypothesis or hypotheseōs or hypothesios ) ; third declension

Case Singular Plural









1 Found sometimes in Medieval and New Latin.

  • There is also genitive plural hypotheseōn .
  • The genitive singular is also spelled hypotheseωs and the genitive plural hypotheseωn .

plural nouns hypothesis

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GrammarLord

A Comprehensive Analysis of The Plural Forms of Hypothesis

“Hypothesis” is often a word that sends shivers down the spines of students and makes professors’ eyes light up. Maybe because it has a fancy Greek root (“hypo” = under, “thesis” = placing). And the plural is not as straightforward as adding an “s” at the end.

No, no, no. We’re dealing with a word that loves to keep things interesting. Gladly, this article is about to crack this nut open like a science experiment.

READ ALSO:  Analyzing The Plural of Analysis; A Comprehensive Guide

  • 0.1 Now, here’s the deal
  • 0.2 You need to understand this
  • 0.3 Now, here’s the thing
  • 0.4 A closer look at the verdict
  • 0.5 Now, let’s get creative with some examples
  • 1 Final Thoughts

Now, here’s the deal

The usual suspect for the plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses”. Yes, just add that “-es” ending and you’re good to go. Most dictionaries will give you this as the go-to plural form, and it’s perfectly acceptable in most situations.

You can confidently say things like, “The researchers tested several hypotheses” or “My cat has a million hypotheses about where his missing yarn ball went.”

You need to understand this

Just like a good scientific study, we gotta consider alternative explanations. See, “hypothesis” comes from Greek, and in Greek, there’s this whole other way of making plurals for words ending in “-sis.”

It involves adding “-ses” instead of “-es.” Some folks, especially those with a deep love for the classics, prefer to stick to this Greek-y plural form.

So, you might encounter “hypotheseses” in academic writing or among language enthusiasts.

READ ALSO:  Abbreviating Continued; What You Need To Know

Now, here’s the thing

While “hypotheseses” is technically correct, it’s not exactly common in everyday speech. It can sound a bit stuffy like you’re trying to show off your fancy vocabulary.

Unless you’re writing a dissertation on ancient Greek grammar, “hypotheses” is the safer bet. But,  if you’re feeling fly and want to impress your professor with your linguistic prowess, go for it!

Just be prepared for some raised eyebrows and maybe even a chuckle or two.

A closer look at the verdict

Ultimately, the choice is yours, my friend.

Whether you stick to the classic “hypotheses” or take a walk on the wild side with “hypotheseses,” just remember: the important thing is to understand the concept behind the pluralization and to use it with confidence.

Now, let’s get creative with some examples

How can we use the plural of hypothesis in a sentence without getting some raised eyebrow?

READ ALSO:  Exploring The Differences Between Heros and Heroes

Here are a few examples :

“The scientist’s mind buzzed with a swarm of hypotheses, each vying for dominance in the petri dish of her imagination.” “The artist stared at the blank canvas, her brush poised like a question mark, ready to give birth to a constellation of hypotheses.”

Did you see how the plural form adds a touch of intrigue, a hint of possibility, to the scene? It’s like sprinkling magic dust on your writing, transforming it from a dull monologue to a vibrant, multi-faceted dialogue.

Final Thoughts

Now you have it! The plural of “hypothesis” laid bare. It is time to go forth and spread your newfound knowledge, one hypothesis (or maybe even hypotheseses) at a time!

The goal is to clearly reach out to your audience without flooding your writing or sentences with grammatical errors.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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English Teacher Site

Whats the Plural of Hypothesis: Understanding Grammatical Number

  • The word “hypotheses” is the plural form of “hypothesis.”
  • “Hypothesis” and “hypotheses” are used to propose explanations for phenomena, with usage depending on the number.
  • The origin of “hypothesis” traces back to Greek, affecting its pluralization in English.

In the most straightforward terms, the plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses.” This transformation follows a specific pattern seen in words that end in “-is,” with the “-is” changing to “-es” to form the plural. Understanding the correct use of the singular and plural forms is fundamental for both written and spoken English, especially within academic and scientific contexts where the word is frequently employed.

What’s the Plural of “Hypothesis”?

Singular to Plural Transformation

The transformation from singular to plural for the word “hypothesis” involves altering the ending of the word:

  • Change the “is” to “es”
  • This results in the plural form “hypotheses”

Pronunciation

The plural form is pronounced as “hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsēz.” It’s essential to note that the difference is not just in spelling but also in pronunciation.

Usage of Hypothesis and Hypotheses

Here is a simple breakdown of when to use each form:

Singular (Hypothesis)Plural (Hypotheses)
Refers to one assumption or proposed explanationRefers to two or more assumptions or proposed explanations

Examples in Sentences

  • Singular : The scientist tested the hypothesis to see if it was valid.
  • Plural : After many experiments, all the hypotheses were evaluated for accuracy.

What’s the Singular of Hypothesis?

The singular form of hypothesis is “hypothesis.” To assist in understanding, consider the following tables:

TermDefinition
HypothesisA statement or idea to be tested through scientific method

Another table illustrating the usage in a sentence:

Sentence Usage
“The scientist formulated a about the cause of the phenomenon.”

Here are key points to remember about the term “hypothesis”:

  • It is the singular form used when referring to one proposed explanation.
  • A hypothesis can later become a theory if it is supported by substantial evidence.
  • In the realm of science, it is a statement subject to verification or falsification through research.

Defining the Word “Hypothesis”

The term hypothesis originates from the Greek word meaning base or foundation . It is commonly understood as a starting point for scientific inquiry, a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. In its essence, a hypothesis is a tentative assumption designed to test its logical or empirical consequences.

In scientific reasoning, a hypothesis serves as a provisional idea whose merit requires evaluation. It is not just a wild guess, but an informed conjecture that sets the stage for experimentation and observation.

Key Attributes of a Hypothesis:

  • Conjectural : A hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables.
  • Testable : It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is true or false through evidence.
  • Predictive : A hypothesis should make predictions that can be verified through testing.
  • Falsifiable : To be scientific, a hypothesis must be structured in a way that it can be refuted by evidence.

Hypothesis in Conditional Statements:

Part of Conditional StatementRole of Hypothesis
Antecedent (If clause)Contains the hypothesis
Consequent (Then clause)Outcome or prediction

For example, in the statement “If molecules are exposed to higher temperatures, then their kinetic energy will increase,” the hypothesis is that higher temperatures affect molecular kinetic energy.

Hypothesis (Singular) Used in Sentences

Examples in Sentences:

  • The scientist formulated a hypothesis about the effect of light on plant growth.
  • After analyzing the data, she presented her hypothesis concerning the animals’ migration patterns.
  • His hypothesis that increased sunlight would enhance energy efficiency remains to be tested.
  • In her thesis, the hypothesis revolved around the impact of social media on communication skills.
  • It is key for a hypothesis to be clear and concise for it to lead to meaningful scientific investigation.
Structure of a Sentence with “Hypothesis”Example
He a hypothesis.
The hypothesis a potential solution.

Regarding the use of “hypothesis” in academic writing, it is important to:

  • Identify the key variable : Highlight what the hypothesis is specifically attempting to test or predict.
  • State the expected outcome : Clarify the predicted result or effect that the hypothesis addresses.
Key Component of HypothesisAs Used in a Sentence
The hypothesis focused on the variable of classroom size.
Her hypothesis anticipated a positive outcome from the new diet.

Tips for crafting a hypothesis :

  • Keep it simple and testable.
  • Ensure it is backed by existing literature and theories when applicable.
  • Tailor it to be specific , addressing a particular phenomenon or set of data.
  • A hypothesis must be falsifiable ; that is, it must be phrased in a way that makes it possible to reject if it is not true.
  • Avoid complex jargon when constructing a hypothesis; clarity ensures that others can understand and test it.
  • Remember, a hypothesis is not a question, but rather a statement that reflects what the researcher believes to be true.

Hypotheses (Plural) Used in Sentences

In the realm of research, it’s common to encounter:

SingularPlural
hypothesishypotheses

Example Sentences:

  • The scientists reviewed several competing hypotheses before commencing their experiment.
  • Their hypotheses centered on the potential effects of climate change on marine biodiversity.
  • During the symposium, the researcher explained her methods for testing the various hypotheses .

Using “hypotheses” precisely:

  • Clarity : Each of the hypotheses represented a possible explanation for the phenomenon observed.
  • Context : In scientific discussions, it’s paramount to present hypotheses in a structured manner.
  • Comparison : The study contrasted traditional hypotheses with innovative conjectures emerging in the field.

In day-to-day language or teaching scenarios, one might encounter scenarios such as:

  • The teacher asked the students to write down their own hypotheses about the outcome of the chemical reaction.
  • The book included several interesting hypotheses about the origins of language.

Origin of the Word “Hypothesis”

Ancient Greek is the initial source of the word “hypothesis.” Specifically, it derives from two Greek words: “ὑπό” meaning ‘under,’ and “θέσις” meaning ‘a placing’ or ‘proposition.’ The combination of these elements resulted in “ὑπόθεσις” (hypothesis), signifying ‘a placing under’ or ‘foundation’.

Greek OriginMeaning
ὑπό (hypo)below, under
θέσις (thesis)placing, setting

Transitioning into Late Latin , the term “ hypothesis ” maintained its original Greek meaning. By the time it reached the Middle French , as “hypothese,” it was already well-incorporated into the lexicon of scientific and philosophical discourse.

Language EvolutionForm
Late Latinhypothesis
Middle Frenchhypothese

In English, “hypothesis” retains the essence of its Greek origins: a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, a foundation for further investigation, or a premise to be tested.

Key Developments :

  • Integral to scientific method
  • Used academically to propose theories

To construct the plural form of “hypothesis,” English follows a standard pattern seen with words ending in ‘-is.’

  • Singular: hypothesis
  • Plural: hypotheses

Usage in English implies not just a simple carrying over of a term, but an adaptation of the concept it represents — underpinning the advancement of knowledge, it supports theoretical frameworks and empirical research.

plural nouns hypothesis

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  • ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɒθəˌsiːz/ , SAMPA : /haI"pQT@%si:z/
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  • The plural form of hypothesis ; more than one (kind of) hypothesis. I have several hypotheses about why attendance has gone down over the last six months.

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Plural Nouns: Definition, Meaning and Examples

Allison Bressmer

By Allison Bressmer

how to use plural nouns cover

Pluralizing singular nouns (also known as making plural nouns) can be as easy as just adding s or es . Or adding letters to the noun, or replacing letters, or changing the entire spelling of the noun, or just leaving the word alone.

Okay, so perhaps “easy” isn’t really the way to describe the process of pluralization. Let’s go with “interesting” instead.

What Is a Plural Noun? (And How Is It Different Than a Singular Noun?

How to make regular plural nouns, how to pluralize irregular nouns, more unique plurals, a few more irregulars, pluralize for your audience, pluralization: use resources.

A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. This is true for both singular and plural nouns.

A singular noun is a noun representing a single (just one) person, place, thing, or idea. For example, the nouns drink , berry , and child are singular nouns.

Often, the determiners a or an are used with singular nouns :

  • I’d like a drink , please.
  • Would you like to try a berry ?
  • Stop acting like a child !

When you make plural nouns, you indicate that there is more than one of whatever it is the noun represents.

plural noun example: cat > cats

For example, drink becomes drinks , berry becomes berries , and child becomes children . You may use the determiners few , many , and several before a plural noun:

  • We’d like to order a few drinks , please.
  • I like to put lots of berries on my cereal.
  • The schoolyard was filled with children .

You’ve probably noticed that the method of pluralizing each of those noun examples is different. That’s because some nouns are considered regular—they tend to follow some simple rules—and others are irregular. The irregulars basically make their own rules.

Grab yourself one of those drinks I just pluralized and we’ll investigate. You’ll thank me for the advice later!

Regular nouns are generally straightforward when it comes to following the rules of pluralization. That’s why they are labeled as regular. For the most part, you pluralize them by adding s or es or by changing y to ies .

regular noun pluralization rules

Of course, there are exceptions. You’ll notice a theme of exceptions throughout this study in pluralizing.

Pluralizing by Adding Letters

1. just add s.

This is probably the easiest rule of pluralization, and many nouns follow this rule.

Singular Plural
cat cats
bed beds
baseball baseballs

2. Just add es

This rule is almost as easy, and just a little less common. It is used for nouns that end in ch , x , s (or s -sounds), sh , and z (with some special additions for the z and some s -sound-ending nouns)

Singular Plural
lunch lunches
box boxes
kiss kisses
bush bushes
quiz quizzes
gas gasses
bus busses

Have you figured out the special additions for some s - and z -ending words? Sometimes it’s necessary to add an extra s or z to the noun before adding the pluralizing es .

exceptions to the rules examples: analyses and cacti

There are a few other exceptions.

For example, the add es rule is pretty reliable for nouns ending in ch and sh , but not as reliable for nouns ending with x .

Singular Plural
ox oxen
matrix matrices
vertex vertices

Some nouns that end in is or us don’t follow the just add es rule either.

Singular Plural
analysis analyses
crisis crises
hippopotomus hippopotami
cactus cactuses or cacti
octopus octopuses, octopi, octopodes

With so many choices for octopus , which should you use?

3. Regular nouns ending in o

Once again, our regular nouns show their slightly rebellious side. The answer? It depends on the word. I told you you’d be happy to have that drink!

Singular Plural
photo photos
taco tacos
tomato tomatoes
hero heroes

4. Regular nouns ending in y

If the nouns ends in a vowel + y , then just add s .

Singular Plural
boy boys
essay essays
whiskey whiskeys

(And by the way, you can spell whiskey without the e as well, if it’s Scotch.)

If the noun ends in a consonant + y , you work under the replacing letters method.

Pluralizing Regular Nouns by Replacing Letters

When a noun ends in a consonant + y , the y becomes ies .

Singular Plural
lady ladies
melody melodies
family families

Are there exceptions? Of course there are.

Nouns such as jealousy , electricity , flexibility end with a consonant + y but do not have a plural form because they are uncountable nouns . We’ll look at them more closely further down the post.

Nouns that end in f or fe also follow the replacing letters method for pluralization. The f becomes a v . If the singular noun ends in s , you add an es to that v. If it ends in fe , you just add the s .

Singular Plural
thief thieves
shelf shelves
knife knives
life lives

And yes. There are exceptions. Say the words aloud and listen for the pattern in the exceptions.

Singular Plural
roof roofs
chef chefs
safe safes

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the rules for the nouns that are called regular even though they have exceptions to the rules somewhat, well, regularly.

If you’re wondering why there are so many exceptions, it’s because the English language has a rich but complicated history and was formed through the integration of a variety of languages. Some of its words still follow rules from their original language.

Let’s move on to the irregular nouns. You might want to refill your drink.

Irregular nouns follow their own rules. They have no use for conformity, which is why they have been labeled irregular.

pluralizing irregular nouns: no rules

Pluralizing irregular nouns basically happens using one of two opposite methods: changing the singular-noun form almost entirely or not changing the singular-noun form at all.

There is no trick for determining which method to use. And knowing how to pluralize these nouns is not intuitive. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you’ve ever spoken to toddlers, you’ve probably heard them say things like this:

“I went to the pet store. I saw kitty cats, puppy dogs, and mouses.”

So cute, right?

We smile because they’ve said “mouses" which is adorable but incorrect. However, toddlers’ use of “mouses” is actually quite impressive as it shows they are adapting to and internalizing the rules of language. But “mouse” as a noun does not follow the rules and after a few months or years, the toddlers learn to use the far less intuitive “mice.”

Those same toddlers might tell you they’ve seen “sheeps” at the farm. Again, their instincts are right, it’s the noun “sheep” that breaks the rules.

For these irregular nouns, you really just need to learn and remember their pluralized forms and if you aren’t certain, consult your dictionary.

1. Pluralizing irregular nouns by changing the singular-noun form

Here are some examples of commonly used nouns whose plural forms are created by changing their singular forms.

example: goose becomes geese

Singular Plural
child children
goose geese
mouse mice
person people
man men
woman women
foot feet
tooth teeth

2. Pluralizing nouns by changing absolutely nothing from the singular-noun form

Here are some examples of commonly used plural nouns spelled exactly the same as their singular forms.

example: sheep stays as sheep

Singular Plural
sheep sheep
deer deer
moose moose
series series
species species

We aren’t done yet! There are still more special pluralization situations: nouns that are only plural, uncountable nouns, and compound nouns.

Only-Plural Nouns

Some nouns do not have a singular form. They only exist in plural form. For example,

  • pants : you can try on pants, but not a pant. You can, however, try on a pair of pants.
  • clothes : you hang clothes in your closet. If you only have one shirt, you would say “I only have one shirt” not “I only have one clothe.”
  • glasses : you wear glasses, or a pair of glasses, but you do not wear a glass. (If you’re talking about drinking glasses, then you can have just one glass.)
  • shenanigans: you may get up to shenanigans, but are never just up to a shenanigan (what fun would just one shenanigan be anyway?)

example: "glasses" has no singular form

Uncountable Nouns

The nouns we have pluralized so far have been countable nouns. Countable nouns are nouns we use for things we can actually count using numbers. You can use a / an or another determiner in front of them in their singular form or another determiner to answer “how many” in their plural form.

For example, you might have:

Singular Plural
a dog several dogs
a sheep seven sheep
an island many islands
a foot two feet

Uncountable nouns are nouns that represent things we cannot count with numbers. It doesn’t make sense to use a / an or other determiners that show “how many.” Phrases that answer “how much” are used with them instead.

Uncountable nouns have only one form. There is no plural form for them.

For example:

  • jealousy : They were filled with jealousy.
  • electricity : We have no electricity.
  • research : He did so much research for the project.

example of an uncountable noun: tour guide says "Let me give you more information about this

  • information : Can you provide me with more information?
  • knowledge : She has a great deal of knowledge on the subject.
  • evidence : There is not enough evidence to convict the defendant!
  • water: I’ll just have water. (If you ask for a specific number of servings of water, you would usually say “a glass of water” or “three bottles of water.”)

Compound Nouns

examples of pluralized common nouns

Compound nouns are nouns that comprise two or more words. They can be written in three different ways: one word, two words, or as a set of hyphenated words.

Most compound nouns that are made of two nouns follow the just add s method of pluralization. And, many compound nouns that comprise a noun and a non-noun also follow this method (but of course, there are exceptions).

1. One-word compound nouns

Singular Plural Parts of Speech
haircut haircuts noun + verb
pancake pancakes noun + noun
bookstore bookstores noun + noun
blackboard blackboards adjective + noun

2. Two-word compound nouns

Singular Plural
bus stop bus stops
dining room dining rooms
tennis court tennis courts

3. Hyphenated compound nouns

Like the two-word compound nouns, hyphenated compound nouns also work as one unit.

Singular Plural
tip-off tip-offs
step-brother step-brothers
copy-editor copy-editors

You can see that the examples used so far all follow the just add s rule. You’re probably already thinking of other common compound nouns that don’t follow that rule. For example,

Singular Plural
passerby passersby
hanger-on hangers-on
runner-up runners-up
sister-in-law sisters-in-law
attorney-at-law attorneys-at-law

The easiest way to get these plurals right is simply to memorize them or look them up. However, there is a grammatical reason for their different methods of pluralization.

In passerby , hanger-on , and runner-up , the compound noun is made up of a noun with an er ending and an adverb. For that combination, the s is added to the noun part of the compound.

In sister-in-law and attorney-at-law , the compound noun is made up of two nouns connected by a preposition. For this combination, the first noun is pluralized.

Another way to think about this combination is to figure out which noun is the head noun. In other words, which noun is the most important (the head), and which noun just adds more information about that noun?

example: identifying 'sister' as the head-noun in 'sister-in-law'

For sister-in-law, sister is the head noun. The in-law just tells us more about the type of sister we’re referencing. The in-law phrase works as an adjective . That same explanation applies to attorneys-at-law or attorneys general , another example of a two-word compound noun.

What happens if there is no obvious head noun?

If we say, “he’s just a good-for-nothing” do we pluralize that by saying, “They’re all good-for-nothings ?”

If we say, “I had a serious back-and-forth with my family about our political differences,” do we pluralize that by saying, “I had some serious back-and-forths with my family about our political differences?”

Yes, we do. How do I know? I looked those compound nouns up! I had to check a few online dictionaries to verify the plural versions. These are phrases that we have adapted into use over time and it can take time for dictionaries to catch up.

Still with me? Good!

Since you’re here, take a look at this list of commonly used, or at least somewhat commonly used, nouns and their unique pluralization forms.

further examples of irregular pluralizations

Singular Plural
criterion criteria
phenomenon phenomena
datum data
curriculum curricula
stimulus stimuli
medium media
hypothesis hypotheses
emphasis emphases

Language is fluid, as the English language demonstrates in its own history, and changes continue to come. Along with consulting your dictionary when you’re uncertain about a word’s proper plural form, consider your audience as well.

formal vs. casual pluralizations

Some methods of pluralization that used to be considered “improper” are now acceptable, at least in more casual situations.

For example, if you’re telling a friend you’d like “two tablespoonfuls of sugar in your iced tea” (that’s just too much, in my opinion), you’re fine! If you’re writing a fancy cookbook, then you might want to use the more formal “tablespoonsful.”

Some methods of pluralization are straightforward, and many nouns adhere to those methods. These are the plurals that you know just because you know them. You don’t even have to think about them!

Other plural forms are less compliant and it’s worth it to work on memorizing them, especially the ones you will use often.

When it comes to the outliers that pop up unexpectedly, there’s no need to guess. Take a minute and consult your dictionary and then run your work through a final ProWritingAid grammar check for accuracy assurance.

correcting incorrect pluralization of analysis in ProWritingAid

With ProWritingAid, you’ll use the right noun form every time—and avoid hundreds of other grammar, spelling, and style errors.

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Allison Bressmer

Allison Bressmer is a professor of freshman composition and critical reading at a community college and a freelance writer. If she isn’t writing or teaching, you’ll likely find her reading a book or listening to a podcast while happily sipping a semi-sweet iced tea or happy-houring with friends. She lives in New York with her family. Connect at linkedin.com/in/allisonbressmer.

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Plural of Hypothesis: The Correct Form for American English

plural of hypothesis

As a professional copywriting journalist, I often come across language nuances that can be tricky to navigate. One such nuance is the correct plural of “hypothesis” in American English. Understanding and using the correct plural form is crucial for effective communication. Let’s explore this topic further.

The Singular and Plural of Hypothesis

  • Singular : Hypothesis
  • Plural : Hypotheses

The plural form of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses.” This transformation follows a common pattern in English where nouns of Greek origin ending in “-is” change to “-es” in the plural.

Understanding Hypothesis

Definition of hypothesis, usage of hypothesis.

In usage, “hypothesis” often implies a level of uncertainty and is used to express an idea that has not yet been proven but is under investigation. In scientific research, hypotheses are subject to rigorous testing and validation.

Use of Hypothesis in Sentences

  • Singular : “Her hypothesis about the correlation between sleep patterns and productivity was intriguing.”
  • Plural : “The researchers tested several hypotheses to determine the most effective treatment method.”
  • Singular : “A good hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable.”
  • Plural : “ Among the various hypotheses, the one related to environmental factors seemed most plausible.
  • Singular : “His hypothesis was later proven to be accurate, changing our understanding of the phenomenon .

Common Mistakes and Confusions

  • Incorrect Plural : Hypothesises, Hypothesi, Hypothesees.
  • Misinterpretation : Confusing a hypothesis (a proposed explanation) with a theory (a well-substantiated explanation).
  • Usage in Non-Scientific Context : Sometimes used incorrectly to mean a guess or a hunch, which lacks the structured reasoning of a hypothesis.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • Q : Can “hypotheses” be used for a single hypothesis? A : No , “hypotheses” is strictly plural and should only be used when referring to more than one hypothesis.
  • Q : Is the word “hypothesis” used outside scientific contexts? A : Yes, it can be used in everyday language to describe an assumption or idea that is yet to be tested or proven.

Understanding the correct usage of “hypothesis” and its plural form “hypotheses” is essential for clear and accurate communication, especially in scientific and academic settings. Remembering this distinction helps maintain the precision so crucial in these domains, thereby facilitating effective discourse and knowledge exchange.

definition of hypothesis

What is the plural of “hypothesis”?

The plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses.”

How are hypotheses used in scientific research?

Hypotheses are used as provisional explanations for phenomena in scientific research and guide investigations.

What is the importance of using the correct plural form for “hypothesis”?

Using the correct plural form, “hypotheses,” adheres to the Greek root of the word and ensures clarity and accuracy in communication.

Are there any alternative plural forms for “hypothesis”?

No, there are no alternative plural forms for “hypothesis” in American English.

Are there any spelling and grammar rules for forming plurals that apply to “hypothesis”?

The plural form “hypotheses” follows the rule for nouns ending in “is” by changing the “is” to “es,” reflecting its Greek origin.

How do hypotheses differ from theories and laws?

A hypothesis is a provisional explanation, while theories and laws are more established and comprehensive explanations of phenomena.

Plural of Phenomenon: Demystifying the Confusion

Plural of focus: understanding the forms and usage of the word “focus”, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of hypothesis in English

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  • abstraction
  • accepted wisdom
  • afterthought
  • anthropocentrism
  • determinist
  • non-dogmatic
  • non-empirical
  • social Darwinism
  • supersensible
  • the domino theory

hypothesis | American Dictionary

Hypothesis | business english, examples of hypothesis, translations of hypothesis.

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  • What Is a Plural Noun? | Examples, Rules & Exceptions

What Is a Plural Noun? | Examples, Rules & Exceptions

Published on April 14, 2023 by Jack Caulfield .

A plural noun  is a noun that refers to more than one of something (as opposed to a singular noun, which refers to just one). Like singular nouns, they may refer to people, animals, things, concepts, or places.

Plural nouns are normally formed by adding -s to the singular noun (e.g., the singular “cat” becomes the plural “cats”). With certain nouns, you need to add or change some of the other letters. The rules are explained in the table below.

There are also some irregular plurals that don’t end in  -s at all. The following section explains them.

How to form regular plural nouns
Word ending How to form the plural Examples
Add to form most plurals that don’t fall into the categories below and to form the plurals of names. dog: dog ; house: house ; editor: editor ; concept: concept ; Monday: Monday ; Kennedy: Kennedy
ch, sh, ss, x Add . church: church ; wish: wish ; grass: grass ; tax: tax
f, fe Often pluralized normally, but sometimes, the or is replaced with . belief: belief ; staff: staff ; safe: safe ; wolf: wol ; life: li
i Usually, pluralize normally. But is occasionally used instead. bikini: bikini ; chili: chili
o When preceded by another vowel, pluralize normally. When preceded by a consonant, usually add . But some words are still pluralized normally. cuckoo: cuckoo ; tomato: tomato ; hero: hero ; piano: piano ; photo: photo
s, z Add . Sometimes, the consonant is doubled (more often with ). gas: gas ; waltz: waltz ; canvas: canvas ; quiz: quiz
uy, y Replace with , but only if it’s preceded by a consonant or by . If preceded by a different vowel, pluralize normally. city: cit ; baby: bab ; spy: sp ; soliloquy: soliloqu ; day: day ; ploy: ploy

Table of contents

Irregular plurals, plurals of compound nouns, common mistake: adding an apostrophe, plural nouns with singular functions, nouns that are always plural, uncountable nouns, worksheet: plural nouns, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions about plural nouns.

Some plural nouns don’t end in -s at all. These are generally called irregular plurals . They are typically either leftovers from older ways of forming plurals in English or foreign words that were imported into English.

Only a small proportion of nouns have irregular plurals, but some of them are very commonly used words, so it’s important to be aware of them. There are a few main groups of irregular plurals, which are explained in the table below.

If you’re unsure about how to pluralize a word that isn’t mentioned in the table, consult a dictionary.

Irregular plurals
A small number of nouns have retained their Old English plural form, using and sometimes altering other parts of the word. brother: [only used in certain religious or organizational contexts; otherwise “brothers”]; child: ; ox:
Some nouns become plural by simply in the middle of the word. foot: ; goose: ; man: ; mouse: ; tooth: ; woman:
often (but not always) retain their original plural forms. analysis: ; appendix: ; formula: ; fungus: ; millennium: ; phenomenon:
such as French, Italian, and Hebrew occasionally retain their original plural forms, although it’s usually acceptable to use a normal English plural instead. bureau: or ; cherub: or ; timpano:
Some nouns—often the names of animals—have . ; ; ; ;
There are a few that don’t fit any of the categories above. die: ; penny: ; person:

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Compound nouns are nouns that are made up of multiple words. They may be open compounds (written with spaces; e.g., “head of state”); hyphenated compounds (written with hyphens ; e.g., “brother-in-law”); or closed compounds (no spaces or hyphens; e.g., “household”).

To create the plural of a compound noun, you often pluralize only the final word (e.g., “high schools “), but there are also cases where you pluralize an earlier word (e.g., “ heads of state”) or occasionally multiple words (e.g., “ men-children “).

To determine how to pluralize a compound noun, consider which word is the “head” of the noun—the thing being represented, which the other words modify. For example, “high schools” refers to multiple schools, not multiple “highs.”

When it’s still not obvious, consult a dictionary to find the correct plural.

A common mistake when forming plural nouns is to add an apostrophe before the “s.” In English, apostrophes are used to form possessive nouns and contractions , not plurals. You also don’t need an apostrophe to pluralize a number, acronym , or proper noun .

  • Maya loves pop music from the 1980’s .
  • Maya loves pop music from the 1980s .
  • SUV’s are bad for the environment and for road safety.
  • SUVs are bad for the environment and for road safety.
  • The Jones’s have gone on vacation.
  • The Joneses have gone on vacation.

There’s one context in which it’s standard to use an apostrophe to form the plural. This is when you’re pluralizing a single letter. The apostrophe is generally added in such cases to avoid confusion with other words (e.g., “a’s” vs. “as”).

Some nouns are said to be plural in form but singular in construction . These words originate as plural forms but are now primarily used in a singular sense.

This is most common in the names of fields of study: for example, “physics,” “mathematics,” “ethics,” and “aesthetics.” Other examples include “news,” “measles,” and “billiards.”

“Singular in construction” means that these words have singular subject-verb agreement . For example, you’d write “the news is …” rather than “the news are …”

Similarly, some nouns are always plural and have no singular form—typically because they refer to something that consists of a pair of something. For example, “scissors” consist of two blades, “pants” of two legs, and “glasses” of two lenses.

Even a single pair of scissors, for example, is referred to in the plural (e.g., “the scissors are over there”). These nouns are sometimes referred to by the Latin term plurale tantum (“plural only”).

Because it’s wrong to use an indefinite article with a plural noun (e.g., “a scissors”) and no singular form exists (e.g., there’s no such thing as “a scissor”), the phrase “a pair of” is used before the noun when an indefinite article is needed. “Pairs of” is also used to specify quantities of these nouns (e.g., “three pairs of pants,” not “three pants”).

Your new spectacles suit you very nicely.

How many pairs of shorts do you own?

Uncountable nouns (also called mass nouns or noncount nouns ) are nouns that don’t have a plural form and can’t be preceded by an indefinite article (“a” or “an”). They often refer to abstract ideas or processes (e.g., “research”), physical substances (e.g., “water”), or areas of study (e.g., “geography”).

Uncountable nouns are singular, not plural, in terms of subject-verb agreement, and the words themselves cannot be pluralized. An alternative phrasing or word choice must be used instead:

  • Several researches have been performed on this subject.
  • A substantial amount of research has been performed on this subject.
  • Several studies have been performed on this subject.
  • Several pieces of research have been performed on this subject.

If you need to refer to a specific quantity of an uncountable noun, you use a unit of measurement to do so, since the noun itself doesn’t represent a specific quantity:

  • There are 70 waters in the glass.
  • There are 70 ml of water in the glass.

Test your understanding of how plural nouns are formed with the worksheet below. In each sentence, add the correct plural form of the noun in brackets. Some of the plurals are regular, some irregular.

  • Practice questions
  • Answers and explanations
  • I love visiting [church] _______ on my [travel] _______.
  • The atmosphere is made up of several [gas] _______.
  • I bought two [loaf] _______ of bread and some [tomato] _______ at the market.
  • Many [species] _______ of [fish] _______ live in [river] _______.
  • A lot of [game of chance] __________________ involve rolling [die] _______.
  • The singular noun “church” ends in “-ch,” so “-es” is added to form the plural noun. “Travels” is pluralized in the normal way, by adding “-s.”
  • “Gas” ends in “-s,” so “-es” is added to pluralize it.
  • As with some other nouns ending in “-f,” the plural form of “loaf” ends in “-ves.” “Tomato” follows the rule for most nouns ending in “-o” by adding “-es.”
  • Both “species” and “fish” have the same form in the singular and the plural, so nothing is added to them. “River” is pluralized normally.
  • The open compound noun “game of chance” is pluralized by adding “-s” to the head of the phrase, “game.” “Chance” is not pluralized. The word “die” has the irregular plural “dice.”

If you want to know more about nouns , pronouns , verbs , and other parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.

Nouns & pronouns

  • Common nouns
  • Proper nouns
  • Collective nouns
  • Personal pronouns
  • Uncountable and countable nouns
  • Verb tenses
  • Phrasal verbs
  • Sentence structure
  • Active vs passive voice
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Interjections
  • Determiners
  • Prepositions

The plural of “moose” is the same as the singular: “moose.” It’s one of a group of plural nouns in English that are identical to the corresponding singular nouns. So it’s wrong to write “mooses.”

For example, you might write “There are several moose in the forest.”

The correct plural of “octopus” is “octopuses.”

People often write “octopi” instead because they assume that the plural noun is formed in the same way as Latin loanwords such as “fungus/fungi.” But “octopus” actually comes from Greek, where its original plural is “octopodes.” In English, it instead has the regular plural form “octopuses.”

For example, you might write “There are four octopuses in the aquarium.”

Normally, the plural of “fish” is the same as the singular: “fish.” It’s one of a group of irregular plural nouns in English that are identical to the corresponding singular nouns (e.g., “moose,” “sheep”). For example, you might write “The fish scatter as the shark approaches.”

If you’re referring to several species of fish, though, the regular plural “fishes” is often used instead. For example, “The aquarium contains many different fishes , including trout and carp.”

The plural of “crisis” is “crises.” It’s a loanword from Latin and retains its original Latin plural noun form (similar to “analyses” and “bases”). It’s wrong to write “crisises.”

For example, you might write “Several crises destabilized the regime.”

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Caulfield, J. (2023, April 14). What Is a Plural Noun? | Examples, Rules & Exceptions. Scribbr. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/nouns-and-pronouns/plural-noun/
Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.
Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Garner, B. A. (2022). Garner’s modern English usage (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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hypothesis noun

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What does the noun hypothesis mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun hypothesis , two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun hypothesis ?

How is the noun hypothesis pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun hypothesis come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex.

hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek.

Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις .

Nearby entries

  • hypothecarious, adj. 1726–
  • hypothecary, adj. 1656–
  • hypothecate, v. 1693–
  • hypothecation, n. 1681–
  • hypothecative, adj. 1856–
  • hypothecator, n. 1828–
  • hypothecium, n. 1866–
  • hypothenar, adj. 1706–
  • hypothermia, n. 1886–
  • hypothermic, adj. 1898–
  • hypothesis, n. 1596–
  • hypothesist, n. 1788–
  • hypothesize, v. 1738–
  • hypothesizer, n. 1833–
  • hypothetic, adj. & n. a1680–
  • hypothetical, adj. & n. 1588–
  • hypothetically, adv. 1628–
  • hypothetico-deductive, adj. 1912–
  • hypothetico-deductively, adv. 1953–
  • hypothetico-disjunctive, adj. & n. a1856–
  • hypothetist, n. 1852–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for hypothesis, n..

hypothesis, n. was first published in 1899; not yet revised.

hypothesis, n. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

  • corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
  • new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into hypothesis, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1899)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

  • View hypothesis in OED Second Edition

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Definition of hypothesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

  • formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
  • build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
  • develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
  • advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
  • explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
  • make a prediction/an inference
  • base a prediction/your calculations on something
  • investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
  • design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
  • do research/an experiment/an analysis
  • make observations/calculations
  • take/record measurements
  • carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
  • run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
  • repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
  • replicate a study/the results/the findings
  • observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
  • fund/support the research/project/study
  • seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
  • collect/gather/extract data/information
  • yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
  • analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
  • consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
  • fit the data/model
  • confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
  • prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
  • draw/make/reach the same conclusions
  • read/review the records/literature
  • describe/report an experiment/a study
  • present/publish/summarize the results/findings
  • present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal

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plural nouns hypothesis

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  • hypothesis (noun)
  • Other chemists rejected his hypothesis .
  • put forward a hypothesis = advance a hypothesis
  • Their hypothesis is that watching excessive amounts of television reduces a person's ability to concentrate.
  • The results of the experiment did not support/confirm his hypothesis .
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IMAGES

  1. Plural of Hypothesis: Rules and Examples

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  2. plural form of Hypothesis

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  3. Hypothesis Plural

    plural nouns hypothesis

  4. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    plural nouns hypothesis

  5. Hypothesis Plural

    plural nouns hypothesis

  6. [0021]1000 English Grammar Test Practice Questions: Plural for Hypothesis||Plural of Hypothesis

    plural nouns hypothesis

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COMMENTS

  1. The Plural of Hypothesis

    The plural of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." Scientists base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot be explained with the available scientific theories. Experimenters may test and reject several hypotheses before solving a problem. The noun "hypothesis" has a Greek root, which is the derivation of the plural "hypotheses."

  2. Plural of Hypothesis: Rules and Examples

    The plural of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses.". Scientists base scientific hypotheses on previous observations that cannot be explained with the available scientific theories. Experimenters may test and reject several hypotheses before solving a problem. The noun "hypothesis" has a Greek root, which is the derivation of the plural ...

  3. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    Most nouns add an -s/-es to denote plural. Hypothesis, and similar sounding nouns such as crisis, thesis, oasis, nemesis, diagnosis, analysis and so on, all change to -ses in their plural forms. Nouns that end in "sis" Each of these irregular plural nouns have another thing in common: they're all Greek words that use Greek suffixes.

  4. Hypothesis Definition & Meaning

    hypothesis: [noun] an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument. an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action.

  5. What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

    The plural form of the hypothesis is hypotheses. This is the only way in the English language to make hypothesis plural. Because of the Greek origin, the rule of making a noun that ends in "is" to change it to "es.".

  6. What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

    The plural form (meaning multiples) of the base word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." Nouns can identify places, people, animals, and other things. They are the basic materials required to construct sentences. There are different types of nouns, including proper nouns, common nouns, compound nouns, collective nouns, abstract nouns, and countable ...

  7. hypothesis

    hypothesis (plural hypotheses) ( sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

  8. A Comprehensive Analysis of The Plural Forms of Hypothesis

    See, "hypothesis" comes from Greek, and in Greek, there's this whole other way of making plurals for words ending in "-sis." It involves adding "-ses" instead of "-es." Some folks, especially those with a deep love for the classics, prefer to stick to this Greek-y plural form.

  9. HYPOTHESES

    HYPOTHESES meaning: 1. plural of hypothesis 2. plural of hypothesis. Learn more.

  10. Whats the Plural of Hypothesis: Understanding Grammatical Number

    The word "hypotheses" is the plural form of "hypothesis." "Hypothesis" and "hypotheses" are used to propose explanations for phenomena, with usage depending on the number. The origin of "hypothesis" traces back to Greek, affecting its pluralization in English. In the most straightforward terms, the plural of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses."

  11. What is the plural of hypothesis?

    The plural form of hypothesis is hypotheses . Find more words! This section includes many thoughtful hypotheses that are backed up by clearly illustrated tables and figures. Accordingly, to deprive us of knowledge, sceptical hypotheses need only to be bare logical possibilities.

  12. HYPOTHESES

    HYPOTHESES definition: 1. plural of hypothesis 2. plural of hypothesis. Learn more.

  13. hypotheses

    Noun. [ change] Singular. hypothesis. Plural. hypotheses. The plural form of hypothesis; more than one (kind of) hypothesis. I have several hypotheses about why attendance has gone down over the last six months. Categories:

  14. Plural Nouns: Definition, Meaning and Examples

    A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. This is true for both singular and plural nouns. A singular noun is a noun representing a single (just one) person, place, thing, or idea. For example, the nouns drink, berry, and child are singular nouns. Often, the determiners a or an are used with singular nouns:

  15. What Is The Plural Of Hypothesis?

    The plural form of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." This transformation follows a common pattern in English where nouns of Greek origin ending in "-is" change to "-es" in the plural. Understanding Hypothesis Definition of Hypothesis A hypothesis is a tentative assumption or proposition made to draw out and test its logical or ...

  16. HYPOTHESIS

    HYPOTHESIS definition: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more.

  17. hypothesis noun

    The hypothesis predicts that children will perform better on task A than on task B. The results confirmed his hypothesis on the use of modal verbs. These observations appear to support our working hypothesis. a speculative hypothesis concerning the nature of matter; an interesting hypothesis about the development of language

  18. What Is a Plural Noun?

    A plural noun is a noun that refers to more than one of something (as opposed to a singular noun, which refers to just one). Like singular nouns, they may refer to people, animals, things, concepts, or places. Plural nouns are normally formed by adding -s to the singular noun (e.g., the singular "cat" becomes the plural "cats").

  19. hypothesis, n. meanings, etymology and more

    The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex. hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek. Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις. See etymology.

  20. hypothesis noun

    1 [countable] an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct synonym theory to formulate/confirm a hypothesis a hypothesis about the function of dreams There is little evidence to support these hypotheses. Topic Collocations Scientific Research theory. formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis

  21. Hypothesis Definition & Meaning

    Britannica Dictionary definition of HYPOTHESIS. [count] : an idea or theory that is not proven but that leads to further study or discussion. Other chemists rejected his hypothesis. put forward a hypothesis = advance a hypothesis. Their hypothesis is that watching excessive amounts of television reduces a person's ability to concentrate. The ...