What Are the Plurals of ‘Ox’ and ‘Fox’? Why ‘Oxen’ and ‘Foxes’?

What Are the Plurals of ‘Ox’ and ‘Fox’? Why ‘Oxen’ and ‘Foxes’? There are striking exceptions in grammar, and plurals of certain words catch the eye.

Most words follow simple rules by either adding an “s” or “es” for their plural. Whereas “ox” assumes the more old-fashioned plural “oxen,” outruling “oxes.” The term “fox,” on the other hand, takes its more accepted plural “foxes.” The explanation for their dissimilarities lies in a history of changing linguistic patterns.

The understanding of such plural words remarkably enhances language ability. The learning why certain words retain an old parallel, while the rest have altered gives insights into the progressive change in the grammar of English from historical to modern times.

📖 Table of Contents

🔹 Plural Forms of Ox and Fox

1️⃣ Singular Forms: Ox and Fox
2️⃣ Plural Forms: Oxen and Foxes
3️⃣ Why ‘Foxes’ for Fox and ‘Oxen’ for Ox?

🔹 Grammar & Usage Insights

4️⃣ Is the Plural of Fox “Foxe,” “Foxes,” or “Foxen”?
5️⃣ Examples of Plural Usage
6️⃣ Common Confusions: Fox vs. Ox Plurals
7️⃣ Fun Facts: Why English Has Irregular Plurals

Singular Forms: Ox and Fox

An ox is a large domesticated bovine used in work. A fox is a small cunning mammal with a bushy tail. Both of these words derive from Old English, but their plurals evolved differently.

“Ox” has retained the earlier plural form, whereas “fox” has modernized it. Here we have a little example of the evolution of English over time: Some words keep older traditions, while others adapt according to use.

Must read: Metaphor vs Hyperbole: Explained with Examples

Plural Forms: Oxen and Foxes

This worked out because “ox” is an exception following an old Germanic principle wherein certain nouns were formed in the plural by adding ‘-en.’ Thus we have an “ox,” but the plural is “oxen.” However, for “fox,” the plural is simply “foxes,” not “foxen.”

“Fox,” however, follows the usual English pattern of adding “-es” to words ending in “x.” Even though they seem similar, their plural forms developed differently.

Oxen:

The word “oxen” is a most ancient plural from Old English that endures. Words such as “child” (children) and “brother” (brethren) demonstrated a similar inflection.

Slowly, most nouns within the English language adopted “-s” or “-es” as a plural indicator. “Ox,” though, was one that resisted this inevitable change.

This is why we still say “oxen” today. Of course, it is among the very few that still cling to this once-spoken plural form.

Foxes:

Usual plural “fexes” for “fox” rather than “foxen.” Pluralization generally comes by adding -es to words ending in x, resulting in “foxes.” 

“Unlike” ox, fox “has taken a more regular way. Words ending in x generally make the plural by adding -es; hence, we say foxes instead of foxen”.

Just like the term “ox,” “fox” traveled a more regular avenue of destination. Words obtaining an “x” at the end made plural on adding “-es”; hence, we say “foxes” instead of “foxen.”

This follows the same rule as “boxes” and “taxes.” The English language simplified over time, dropping most irregular plurals. “Foxes” is just one example of that shift.

Comparing Plurals:

Looking at “oxen” and “foxes” side by side shows how English plurals evolved. “Oxen” follows an old pattern, while “foxes” sticks to modern rules. If English had stuck with a particular set of rules, we would have been free to say, “oxes” and “foxen

” But history has its own way of staying in the language; it stopped random things in our language from remaining, and some irregular plurals like “oxen” survived, while others gave way.

Why ‘Foxes’ for ‘Fox’ and ‘Oxen’ for ‘Ox’?

The reason comes down to historical changes in English grammar. Many Old English words used “-in” for plurals, but most eventually adopted “-s” or “-es.”

Fox has followed the form, while ox stands firmly against it; hence foxes sounds natural whereas oxes sound awkward. Such is the nature of Primary English: full of odd inconsistencies and surprising idiosyncrasies.

Is the Plural of Fox “Foxe,” “Foxes,” or “Foxen”?

The right plural is “foxes.” Some people might be confused about whether “foxen” is proper, but it is not. This “-en” plural was dropped from most words in English ages ago-the “foxe” is rather vintage but not even standard. Standard for ages now has been “foxes.”

Examples:

• One fox ran across the field.
• Two foxes played near the trees.
• The clever fox avoided the trap.
• A group of foxes hunted together.
• The farmer spotted several foxes near his barn.
• The fox’s fur was thick, unlike the thinner fur of the younger foxes.

Why the Confusion Over the Plural of Fox?

People sometimes wonder if “foxen” should be correct because of “oxen.” However, “fox” never belonged to the category of words that took “-en” plurals.

The confusion comes from irregular patterns in English. Some old plural forms stuck around, while others didn’t. “Foxen” might sound fun, but it’s incorrect.

Is Fox Singular or Plural?

“Fox” is singular. It refers to one animal. In some contexts, “fox” can be used collectively, such as when talking about the entire species. But grammatically, “fox” alone is always singular.

Is Fox a Countable or Uncountable Noun?

“Fox” is a countable noun as you can count individual foxes. You can say one fox, two foxes, or many foxes. It is not like “water” or “sand” that does not have the plural forms. You wouldn’t say a fox of intelligence but can say a group of foxes.

Examples:

• I saw a fox in the woods.
• Several foxes live near my house.
• The fox was hunting alone.
• A pack of foxes roamed the hills.
• Have you ever seen a wild fox?
• The baby foxes played outside their den.

What’s the Collective Noun for Fox?

A congregation of foxes is known by the different names: skulk, leash, or troop. Most of these names arise from the vocabulary of old-world hunting. “Skulk” best applies to the crafty, stealthy ways of the foxes. “Leash” tends to refer to a set of a trio of animals, typically for hunting. 

“Troop” is a less common term for the same but is still perfectly apt for foxes. Unlike most other animals, foxes do not tend to go about in large numbers. But when they do, the correct words would probably be these.

Now, in a selection of three, one may term it by the old names most appropriate from hunting tradition. A group of foxes will consist of a skulk, a leash, or a troop. As “skulk” states, it is fit for denseness, crafty, and secretive behavior of foxes.

Also, “leash” comes from hunting which means a set of three animals. Below this is “troop,” not as frequently applied, but still acceptable.

The difference between foxes from all other animals is they never get in large numbers when traveling. However, whenever they do, these are the right terms.

Plural of Fox Example Sentences

The word “foxes” is the correct plural form. Here are some examples:

• The foxes ran through the snowy woods.
• A pack of foxes gathered near the river.
• I saw three foxes hunting at dawn.
• The foxes’ fur turned thicker in winter.
• Baby foxes stayed close to their mother.
• The foxes howled under the full moon.

Definition of Fox?

Among all the carnivores, foxes boast of an extremely intelligent brain and possess a bushy tail. Foxes fall in the Canidae family which comprises wolves and dogs.

They have pointed ears and a narrow snout as well and are nocturnal.Typically, foxes exist as solitary predators, preferring to make their rounds at night in the forests and fields around them.

They are called a very cunning animal because they can fool much more powerful and larger predators. Foxes have an adaptability which could range from forest to city.

Where Does the Word “Fox” Come From?

The word “fox” comes from Old English “fox”, which itself traces back to Proto-Germanic. Linguists believe it originally described the animal’s fur color. Similar words exist in German (Fuchs) and Dutch (vos).

Over time, “fox” also became a term for cleverness or trickery. That’s why calling someone “foxy” means they are either smart or attractive.

You will like: Re-sign or Resign? Learn When and How to Use Each Correctly

What Are the Plurals of ‘Ox’ and ‘Fox’? Why ‘Oxen’ and ‘Foxes’?

The plural of “ox” is “oxen”, while the plural of “fox” is “foxes”. The difference comes from historical grammar rules. “Ox” kept the Old English “-en” plural, while “fox” followed the modern English pattern of adding “-es.”

This irregularity is why English learners sometimes get confused. If English followed just one rule, we might say “oxes” or “foxen” instead. But history shaped how these words evolved.

Oxen Singular Form and Fox Singular Form

“Ox” is the singular form of “oxen”, while “fox” is the singular form of “foxes”. These words look similar and yet differ in their grammatical categories.

Ox has an older plural form while fox comes under the generally applied -es ending rule. Thus it sounds fine to say “an ox” but does not work for “an fox”. The singular forms of these words establish the groundwork in their plural forms.

Plural Forms: Oxen and Foxes

• “Oxen” is the correct plural for “ox.” It does not follow the standard “-s” rule.
• “Foxes” is the correct plural for “fox.” It follows the typical English pattern.
• These words highlight how English mixes old and modern grammar.
• Many English words used to have “-en” plurals, but most changed over time.
• “Oxen” remains one of the last words to keep that structure.
• “Foxen” sounds fun, but it isn’t a real word.
• That’s why we say “foxes” instead.

Comparing Plurals:

The plural of “ox” is “oxen”, while the plural of “fox” is “foxes.” This shows how English evolved over time. If both words followed the same rule, we might say “oxes” or “foxen.” But historical grammar shaped them differently.

English borrowed patterns from different languages, leading to these irregularities. While most nouns follow a simple plural rule, some still keep old forms.

Why ‘Foxes’ for ‘Fox’ and ‘Oxen’ for ‘Ox’?

Foxes follow the standard English plural rule, while oxen keep an older form. In Old English, many words used “-en” for plurals, but most switched to “-s” or “-es.” “Ox” kept its ancient plural, while “fox” adapted.

This inconsistency makes English tricky. That’s why some people mistakenly think “foxen” might be correct. However, “foxes” is the proper plural form.

Ox Plural Word

The correct plural of “ox” is “oxen,” not “oxes.” This is one of the rare exceptions in English. Most words simply add “-s” or “-es,” but “ox” follows an ancient pattern.

If English had fully modernized, we might say “oxes” today. However, “oxen” remains a historical holdover from Old English.

You will like: High Quality or High-Quality: Which One Is Correct?

For Example:

• The farmer owned three oxen.
• Oxen are used for heavy farm work.
• Unlike horses, oxen have more endurance.
• In some cultures, oxen are sacred animals.
• Ancient civilizations relied on oxen for survival.
• A team of oxen pulled the wagon across the plains.

FAQ’S

What is the plural of fox?

The correct plural is “foxes,” not “foxen” or “foxe.” It follows the standard English rule of adding “-es” to words ending in “x.”

Why is the plural of ox “oxen” and not “oxes”?

“Ox” follows an old English plural rule using “-en.” Unlike “fox,” it kept this irregular form instead of switching to “-es.”

What is a group of foxes called?

A group of foxes is called a skulk, leash, or troop. These names reflect their sly and secretive nature.

Can I say “foxen” instead of “foxes”?

No, “foxen” is incorrect. While “oxen” follows an old pattern, “fox” adopted the regular English plural form.

Is “fox” singular or plural?

“Fox” is singular. The plural form is “foxes.” However, “fox” can refer to the species as a whole.

Where does the word “fox” come from?

It comes from Old English “fox,” which likely referred to the animal’s fur color. Similar words exist in German and Dutch.

Is “ox” a countable noun?

Yes, “ox” is countable. You can say “one ox” or “two oxen,” just like you would with “fox” and “foxes.”

Conclusion

The plural forms of ox and fox follow different grammatical rules. The word “ox” uses the old English plural “oxen,” while “fox” follows the modern pattern, becoming “foxes.” These differences come from historical language changes.

Most nouns now add “-s” or “-es,” but a few, like “oxen,” kept older forms. Understanding these irregularities helps with mastering English grammar. While “foxes” is straightforward, “oxen” remains an exception. Learning why these words evolved differently makes English more fascinating and highlights its rich linguistic history.