What is the Plural of ‘Squid’? ‘Squid’ or ‘Squids’?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to say “squid” or “squids” when referring to more than one of these fascinating sea creatures, you’re not alone. The confusion around the plural form of “squid” has sparked many debates among English enthusiasts, marine biologists, and casual speakers alike.

In this article, we’ll explore the different ways the word “squid” can be used in plural form, provide examples in real-world contexts, and offer clarity on which form is grammatically correct in various scenarios. So, what is the plural of squid? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basic Form of ‘Squid’

Before we get into the plural forms of squid, it’s important to understand its basic structure. “Squid” is a singular noun that refers to a type of cephalopod mollusk with a soft body, tentacles, and a distinctively elongated shape. The word itself is used both for individual creatures and as a general term for the species as a whole.

When you talk about a single squid, you simply use the word “squid.” For example:

• I saw a squid at the aquarium.
• The squid glided through the water with grace.

Now, when it comes to pluralizing the term, this is where things get interesting.

The Plural of ‘Squid’: Squid or Squids?

The primary question we’re addressing here is: what is the plural of squid? Do you add an “-s” to make it “squids”? Or do you simply leave it as “squid” even when talking about more than one? Let’s break down the answer.

1. Squid as a Plural Noun

The word “squid” is often used in its plural form without the “-s.” This is actually quite common in English, especially when the word refers to multiple squid as a group or species. In fact, many English nouns, particularly those borrowed from other languages, follow this pattern.

Example Scenario:

Email to a Marine Biologist:

Subject: Inquiry About Squid in the Pacific Ocean

Dear Dr. Harris,

I hope this email finds you well. I was hoping you could clarify something for me regarding the plural of squid. In my recent studies, I’ve noticed that when discussing more than one squid, some sources use “squid” while others use “squids.”

Could you help me understand why squid is sometimes used as the plural form and when it is appropriate to use “squids”? Is there any scientific reason behind it?

Thank you for your insight!

Sincerely,
Jonathan Field

In this example, Jonathan is writing to Dr. Harris to inquire about the use of “squid” in the plural form. Notice that squid remains the same even when talking about more than one creature. This is perfectly acceptable and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

2. Squids as a Plural Noun

While squid can often be used for both singular and plural forms, “squids” is another correct way to indicate more than one squid. The plural “squids” follows the conventional rules of adding “-s” to the end of most nouns to form the plural. This form is particularly common in casual conversation or when you want to be very clear that you are talking about multiple individual squids rather than the species as a whole.

Example Scenario:

Social Media Post:

“I just got back from a deep-sea dive, and we spotted several squids! 🦑 So incredible to watch them in action. There were squids of all sizes darting around.”

Here, the user uses “squids” to indicate multiple individual creatures. This form emphasizes the separate, countable squids rather than an unspecified group of them.

So, Which One Is Correct?

Both “squid” and “squids” are grammatically correct when referring to more than one squid. The choice between them depends on the context:

• “Squid” is commonly used as the plural when talking about squid in a general sense or as a collective species (e.g., “Squid are fascinating creatures.”).
• “Squids” is more commonly used when emphasizing individual creatures (e.g., “I saw three squids today.”).

Why Do Some Words Have Irregular Plurals?

Many English words, especially those borrowed from other languages, don’t follow typical pluralization rules. The word “squid” is one of these. In the case of “squid,” it comes from the Old English word “squiddan” (meaning “to dive” or “to move swiftly”), and this irregular pluralization pattern is a holdover from its historical usage. This is why you might see “squid” used in the plural, even though it feels a bit strange when compared to regular English plurals.

Real-Life Examples of Using the Plural of Squid

Let’s look at a few more examples to see how the plural form of squid is used in various settings.

Example 1: In a Scientific Context

In a scientific or academic setting, researchers may use “squid” in its plural form when referring to the species in a general sense.

Example:

• “Squid are an essential part of the ocean’s food chain. They serve as prey for many predators, including sharks and whales.”

In this example, “squid” refers to multiple creatures of the species, and it is used without an “s” at the end.

Example 2: In Casual Conversation

In casual conversation, people may use “squids” when talking about multiple squid they have encountered or seen.

Example:

• “We spotted a bunch of squids while snorkeling yesterday. They were amazing to watch!”

This highlights individual squids, so the “-s” is added to indicate that more than one was observed.

Example 3: In a Restaurant Setting

Let’s imagine a scenario in a restaurant where a customer is ordering from the menu.

Example:

• Customer: “I’d like the fried squid, please.”
• Server: “Would you prefer the single serving or our platter of squids?”

Here, the server uses “squids” to suggest a larger portion, likely involving multiple pieces of the dish. It helps clarify that the customer might receive several servings of squid rather than just one.

Summary of Key Points

To recap, here’s a simple table summarizing when to use “squid” and “squids”:

Context	Plural Form
Talking about squid in general or as a species	Squid (no -s)
Referring to multiple individual creatures	Squids (with -s)

For example:

• “I saw a squid at the aquarium.”
• “There were several squids swimming near the boat.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, what is the plural of squid? The answer is simple: both “squid” and “squids” are correct, but the choice depends on the context. Use “squid” when referring to them in a general or collective sense, and use “squids” when emphasizing individual creatures. Both forms are widely accepted in English and will be understood by your audience.

Now that you know the plural form of squid can be either “squid” or “squids,” you’ll never have to second-guess again. So next time you’re talking about these slippery sea dwellers, you’ll know exactly which plural form to use. Happy writing (and diving)!