The plural forms, data, strata, and phenomena, are so much more frequently used than their singular forms, datum, stratum, and phenomenon, that some writers have slipped into the habit of using the plurals with a singular meaning; as, “The aurora borealis is a very strange phenomena.”  “Our data is insufficient to establish a theory.”  “The strata is broken and irregular.”
  ________________________________________________
_________________

145

Mussulmans

While most words ending in man become plural by changing this termination to men, as gentlemen, noblemen, clergymen, statesmen, the following simply add s:  dragomans, Mussulmans, Ottomnans, talismans “A dozen dragomans offered their services as guides and interpreters.”  “A band of Mussulmans cut off our retreat.”  “Those fierce Ottomans proved to be very revengeful.”  “He purchased five finely upholstered ottomans for his drawing-room.”

Heroes, Cantos

Most nouns ending in o add es to form the plural; as, heroes, negroes, potatoes, stuccoes, manifestoes, mosquitoes.  Words ending in io or yo add s; as, folios, nuncios, olios, ratios, embryos.

The following words, being less frequently used, often puzzle us to know whether to add s or es to form the plural:  armadillos, cantos, cuckoos, halos, juntos, octavos, provisos, salvos, solos, twos, tyros, virtuosos.

Alms, Odds, Riches

Many nouns that end in s have a plural appearance, and we are often perplexed to know whether to use this or these, and whether to employ a singular or a plural verb when the noun is used as a substantive.

Amends is singular.  Assets, dregs, eaves, bees, pincers, riches, scissors, sheers, tongs, vitals, are plural.  When we
  ________________________________________________
_________________

146

say a pair of pincers, or scissors, or shears, or tongs, the verb should be singular.  Tidings, in Shakespeare’s time, was used indiscriminately with a singular or plural verb, but is now generally regarded as plural.

Alms and headquarters are usually made plural, but are occasionally found with a singular verb.  Pains is usually singular.  Means, odds, and species are singular or plural, according to the meaning.

“By this means he accomplished his purpose.”  “What other means is left to us?” “Your means are very slender, and your waste is great.”

Proper Names

These are usually pluralized by adding s; as, the Stuarts, the Caesars, the Beechers, the Brownings.

Titles with Proper Names

Shall we say the Miss Browns, the Misses Brown, or the Misses Browns?  Great diversity of opinion prevails.  Gould Brown says:  “The name and not the title is varied to form the plural; as, the Miss Howards, the two Mr. Clarks.”

Alexander Bain, LL.  D., says:  “We may say the Misses Brown, or the Miss Browns, or even the Misses Browns.”