When it comes to the English language, pluralizing words can sometimes be more complicated than it seems. The word hippopotamus is no exception. It raises the common question: what’s the plural of hippopotamus? Some people think it’s hippopotamuses, while others might guess it’s hippopotami. So, what’s the truth?
In this article, we will dive deep into the hippopotamus plural, exploring the different forms, usage scenarios, and the rules behind this quirky animal name. By the end, you’ll understand the correct plural for hippopotamus and how to use it confidently in your writing and conversation.
What is the Plural of Hippopotamus?
To begin with, the most straightforward answer to what is the plural of hippopotamus is: hippopotamuses. While it may seem odd to add an “-es” to the end of a word like hippopotamus, it follows the general rule for pluralizing English nouns that don’t end in “-s,” “-x,” “-z,” “-sh,” or “-ch.”
Hippopotamuses is commonly accepted in both informal and formal English usage. However, there’s also an alternative: hippopotami. This is a more Latinized form, where the singular ends in “-us” and the plural follows the classical rule of turning “-us” into “-i.” So, hippopotami is another possible plural form, though less commonly used in modern English. Now, let’s break it down further.
The Two Forms: Hippopotamuses vs. Hippopotami
As we’ve mentioned, you have two choices when using the plural for hippopotamus:
- Hippopotamuses (the regular English plural)
- Hippopotami (the classical, Latin-inspired plural)
Scenario 1: Using “Hippopotamuses” in an Email
Let’s say you’re writing an email to a colleague about your upcoming trip to Africa. You might write something like this:
Subject: Planning for the Safari Trip
Hi Sarah,
I hope you’re doing well! I’m really excited about our safari trip next month. We’ll be seeing all sorts of animals, and I’ve heard that there are a lot of hippopotamuses in the river by the camp. They’re usually seen basking in the sun or floating in the water.
I was thinking of taking a boat tour to see them up close. I’m sure the sight of so many hippopotamuses together will be incredible!
Let me know what you think!
Best,
John
In this case, hippopotamuses fits the bill because it’s the more widely used form in everyday conversation, especially in informal contexts like emails.
Scenario 2: Using “Hippopotami” in a Formal Setting
Now, let’s imagine a more academic context. You’re writing a research paper on animal behavior, and you might use the classical plural form. For example:
The Social Dynamics of Hippopotami in Africa
In regions where the rivers are abundant, hippopotami tend to form large social groups. These groups often engage in coordinated behaviors that help protect them from predators. Contrary to their solitary image, hippos are highly social creatures that rely on group dynamics for safety and survival.
Here, hippopotami is used, which is often preferred in more scholarly or formal writing, particularly when referencing animals in an academic context.
Why Both Plurals Are Correct
You might wonder why both hippopotamuses and hippopotami are considered correct. The reason lies in the evolution of the English language and how it borrows from other languages, especially Latin and Greek. English doesn’t strictly follow Latin rules for pluralization, but it sometimes retains them, especially for words that have a classical feel.
- Hippopotamuses follows the more modern, straightforward rule of English pluralization.
- Hippopotami follows the Latin pluralization rule, where words ending in “-us” change to “-i” in the plural.
Both forms are valid, but the hippopotamus plural form hippopotamuses is far more common in everyday use.
The Plural for Hippopotamus in Different Contexts
When it comes to the plural hippopotamus, the choice between hippopotamuses and hippopotami often depends on the context in which it is used.
Here’s a breakdown of the scenarios where each form might be used:
| Context | Preferred Plural Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Casual or Informal Writing | Hippopotamuses | “We saw a few hippopotamuses near the waterhole.” |
| Academic or Formal Writing | Hippopotami | “The behavior of hippopotami is fascinating.” |
| Everyday Conversation | Hippopotamuses | “I love watching hippopotamuses at the zoo.” |
| Creative Writing/Storytelling | Hippopotamuses | “The hippopotamuses splashed around in the muddy waters, making a huge mess.” |
While both forms are grammatically correct, you’ll notice that hippopotamuses is more common in everyday speech, while hippopotami might be reserved for more formal, academic, or stylistic uses.
Plural for Hippopotamus: Which One Should You Use?
Now that we’ve explored the two options, you may be wondering: What’s the plural of hippopotamus that you should use most often?
- If you’re writing casually, using hippopotamuses is generally your best bet. It’s the form most people are familiar with, and it’s widely accepted in spoken and written English.
- If you’re working in a more formal setting, particularly in scientific or academic writing, hippopotami might be the preferred option. It gives a nod to the Latin roots of the word, lending a sense of authority to your writing.
Fun Facts About Hippopotamuses
Whether you prefer to use hippopotamuses or hippopotami, let’s take a moment to appreciate these fascinating creatures.
- Hippopotamuses are one of the largest land mammals, second only to elephants.
- They spend much of their time submerged in water to keep cool under the hot African sun.
- Hippos can run surprisingly fast on land, reaching speeds of up to 19 miles per hour (30 km/h).
- Despite their hefty size, they can be very aggressive and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
More Examples of Plural Forms in English
To help you better understand how the hippopotamus plural compares to other animal plurals in English, let’s look at some examples of how different animals change when pluralized:
| Singular | Plural | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Child | Children | “The children played near the riverbank.” |
| Foot | Feet | “I walked barefoot through the mud.” |
| Goose | Geese | “We saw a group of geese flying south.” |
| Cactus | Cacti | “The cacti in the desert are fascinating.” |
| Crisis | Crises | “The country is facing multiple crises at once.” |
Conclusion: What’s the Plural of Hippopotamus?
In conclusion, the plural of hippopotamus can be either hippopotamuses or hippopotami. While both forms are grammatically correct, hippopotamuses is more commonly used in everyday language, while hippopotami is typically reserved for academic or formal contexts.
When in doubt, remember that hippopotamuses is the safe choice for casual conversations and writing. However, if you’re writing a scholarly article or using the word in a more stylized way, hippopotami might be the better option.
