What about Hippopotamus in the plural? Whether it is Hippopotamuses or otherwise? You are not the only one if this very question has delayed your speech. Language instances like these embarrass even the best of writers.
The plural of hippopotamus that you see in dictionaries is not such an easy choice, and some forms attach themselves to the common vernacular. In this short guide, we will sort out the confusion over which form is the right form and when.
Apart from that, get ready to dig into some alternative surprises and fun facts! Join us now on this exciting road of irregular plural and animal names!
📘 Understanding the Plural of Hippopotamus
- 🦛 What Is the Plural of Hippopotamus?
- 🧠 Are You Good at Plurals?
- 📚 The Standard Rules for Forming the Plurals
- ❓ Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Hippopotamus?
- 🔍 Why the plurals are both “Hippopotamuses” and “Hippopotami”?
🌍 More About the Mighty Hippopotamus
- 🦛 What is a Hippopotamus?
- 🤔 What’s the difference between “Hippo” and “Hippopotamus”?
- 🔠 What’s the plural of “Hippo”?
- ✍️ Using “Hippopotamus” or “Hippo” in sentences (Singular usage)
- 📌 Hippopotamus:
- 📌 Hippo:
- 📌 Hippopotamus:
- ✍️ Using “Hippopotamuses,” “Hippopotami,” and “Hippos” in sentences (Plural usage)
- 📌 Hippopotamuses:
- 📌 Hippopotami:
- 📌 Hippos:
- 📌 Hippopotamuses:
- 🧬 Origin of the word “Hippopotamuses”
- 🐾 What we can call the groups of “Hippopotamuses” or “Hippopotami”?
What Is the Plural of Hippopotamus?
The correct plural form of hippo hippopotamus can be quite confusing. You might hear both hippopotami and hippopotamuses in verbal discourse. But which one’s actually right?
Turns out, both are accepted in English. However, hippopotamuses is the more modern, commonly used form. Still, some people prefer hippopotami because it sounds more classical.
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Are You Good at Plurals?
English plurals can be weird.Usually, this is an easy task: put an “s” on the end of the word and you are finished! But words like hippopotamus break the rules.
What say you-what is the plural of cactus or octopus? If you do not know, don’t worry; you are not the only one. This is what leads to the confusion of people with plurals like hippopotamuses.
The Standard Rules for Forming the Plurals
Normally, plurals in English follow simple rules. Add -s or -es to the end of a noun. Like dog become dogs, and boxes turn into boxes.
But not all words play by the rules.Older, aberrant plural formations are often applied to foreign words like hippopotamus. That, however, takes it to another level.
Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Hippopotamus?
The confusion comes into play because of the world’s Greek origins. The word hippopotamus is from ancient Greek, not from Latin or Old English.So people argue about whether to use Greek or English rules.
Some think it should be hippopotami to sound more “proper.” Others just go with hippopotamuses because it feels more natural. The truth? Both are fine.
Why are the plurals both “Hippopotamuses” and “Hippopotami”?
Here’s the thing—hippopotamuses follow modern English plural rules. Just add -es and you’re done. It’s the easiest and most accepted form today.
On the other hand, hippopotami comes from trying to follow classical grammar. It uses Latin-style endings, even though the root is Greek. It sounds fancy but isn’t more correct.
What is a Hippopotamus?
Hippos are huge, semi-aquatic, river and lake-dwelling creatures that belong to Africa. They are fast movers on the ground as well as in the water.
The meaning of the word hippopotamus literally translates from Greek as “river horse.” It possesses the largest mouths with a very strong set of jaws, and admires through fear not only itself but also its equals.
What’s the difference between “Hippo” and “Hippopotamus”?
Hippo is a short form derived from hippopotamus. It’s informal and friendly, easy to pronounce. Most people use it in their casual speech.
Hippopotamus, on the other hand, is the formal term and is popularly used in the scientific or even educational context. Both mean the same but have different applications. Simply put, think of it like “dog” vs. “puppy.”
What’s the plural of “Hippo”?
The plural of hippo is hippos. Simple, right? Just like regular English plurals.
Unlike hippopotamus, there’s no confusion here. You just add an “s.” So when you’re talking about a bunch of them, say hippos.
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Using “Hippopotamus” or “Hippo” in sentences (Singular usage)
Hippopotamus:
They are expertly designed for life in an aquatic setting, spending most of their day looking for shaded depressions, and then they wander into open grasslands to feed at night. They seem slim and speedy, but surprisingly can run quite well.
Hippo- Well,
I saw a hippopotamus yesterday at the zoo.
The hippopotamus opened its mouth, and even from afar, I could tell that it was huge! Watching hippos with kids is definitely fun.
Using “Hippopotamuses” or “Hippopotami” and “Hippos” in sentences (Plural usage)
The hippopotamuses were gathered near the river bank. The tourists watched the hippopotamuses as they cooled off in the mud. It was quite a sight to see so many hippopotamuses together.
Hippopotami:
Some books still use the term hippopotami. The hippopotami roamed freely in the nature reserve. You don’t see an entire group of hippopotami every day!
Hippos:
Three hippos were play-fighting in the water. The sounds made by the hippos could be heard from a distance. It is wonderful being so social for hippos.
Origin of the word “Hippopotamuses”
The word hippopotamus comes from the Greek “hippos,” whereby it means horse and “potamos” meaning river. So this literally means river horse literally. That is how ancient Greeks described what they saw.
Over the years, the term was borrowed intact by English and given differing plural forms. Thus, hippopotamuses and hippopotami came into being. These changes are somewhat a matter of linguistic evolution and historical accident.
What can we call the groups of “Hippopotamuses” or “Hippopotami”?
A group of hippopotamuses is considered a bloat, but sometimes, it may also be called a herd or pod. Bloat is now recognized as the most popular and fun term.
You might see a bloat sleeping in the sun, wallowing in the water. It is both a comic and slightly scary thought. That is a lot of mass for one river!
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Conclusion
Hippopotamus-the-singular-word: what is it in plural form? The answer is two-fold: hippopotamuses as well as hippopotami, both of which are correct. Though more often found in contemporary English, hippopotami seems to recall an older classical age.
Whether for fun or formal use, it always depends on the tone and audience. Well, your debate might keep on rolling, ’cause English always has a curfew when it comes to animal names.
So, now you understand the rules, be confident enough to use any of them. If you doubt at all, go with the majority and take hippopotamuses. Simple, correct, and understood almost everywhere.
FAQ’S
What is the correct plural of hippopotamus?
Both hippopotamuses and hippopotami are correct. Hippopotamuses are more common in modern English.
Is hippopotami a real word?
Yes, hippopotami is a legitimate plural form. It follows a Latin-style ending, though the word has Greek roots.
Why do some people say hippopotami instead of hippopotamuses?
Some prefer hippopotami because it sounds more classical or scholarly. But it’s mostly a matter of style.
What’s the plural of “hippo”?
The plural of hippo is hippos—simple and regular.
Is there a preferred plural form in professional writing?
In most professional and academic settings, hippopotamuses is the recommended plural. It’s clearer and more widely accepted.
Joulia, a seasoned wordsmith and grammar enthusiast, brings over a decade of blogging expertise to Grammar Tune. With a keen eye for linguistic precision and a passion for making complex grammar concepts accessible, he has helped thousands of readers enhance their writing skills. His engaging teaching style and practical approach to language learning have made him a trusted voice in the online grammar community.
