what is the plural of monkey

Championisme authors

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09-10-2024

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More Than One Monkey: Exploring the Plural of "Monkey"

You might think the plural of "monkey" is simply "monkeys," and you wouldn't be wrong! But there's a bit more to it than that. Let's delve into the fascinating world of monkey plurals and discover the nuances that make this seemingly simple question more complex than it appears.

The Basic Plural: Monkeys

The most common and widely accepted plural of "monkey" is "monkeys." This follows the standard English rule of adding "-s" to the singular form to create the plural.

For example:

• One monkey is swinging through the trees.
• Many monkeys are playing in the jungle.

A Rare Alternative: "Monkeyes"

While "monkeys" reigns supreme, there's another, less common plural form: "monkeyes." This antiquated form dates back to the 16th century when the word "monkey" was spelled "monkeye."

However, "monkeyes" is now considered archaic and is rarely used in modern English. It's mostly found in historical texts and might be encountered in literary works that aim for a specific historical setting.

The Impact of Species and Context

While "monkeys" is the default plural, the specific species of monkey can influence how we talk about them.

• Species-Specific Plurals: Some monkey species have unique, species-specific names. For example, the plural of "macaque" is "macaques," not "macaques."
• Collective Nouns: We can also use collective nouns to describe groups of monkeys. For example, a "troop" of monkeys or a "band" of baboons are common terms.

Understanding the Nuances

The plural of "monkey" might seem straightforward, but understanding the nuances of usage adds depth to our vocabulary. Knowing that "monkeyes" exists, though archaic, provides a glimpse into the evolution of the English language. And understanding the context-dependent use of species-specific names and collective nouns helps us communicate about monkeys with greater precision and clarity.

So, the next time you encounter a group of monkeys, remember that the plural of "monkey" is "monkeys," unless you're writing a historical novel or want to add a touch of archaic flair!