What is the Singular of Tongs?

The English language is full of fascinating quirks, and one common source of confusion arises when we encounter plural nouns that don’t seem to have an obvious singular form or when the singular form isn’t commonly used. One such example is “tongs.” If you’ve ever wondered what the singular form of “tongs” is, you’re not alone. This article will explore the singular and plural usage of “tongs,” delve into why certain nouns are always plural, and provide examples along with practice questions to help clarify your understanding.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a firm grasp of the appropriate usage of “tongs” and its singular equivalents, allowing you to use this word confidently in both writing and conversation.

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What Are “Tongs”?

“Tongs” are a tool used for gripping and lifting objects, typically in situations where it would be difficult or dangerous to handle the object directly with your hands. They are commonly used in cooking, grilling, medical procedures, and even in industrial settings. Tongs consist of two arms that are hinged or connected at one end, allowing the user to apply pressure to grip an object between the two arms.

Examples of Tongs in Use:

• She used a pair of tongs to flip the steak on the grill.
• The chef grabbed the hot pan with tongs to avoid burning his hands.
• In the laboratory, the scientist used tongs to handle the heated test tube.

In each of these examples, “tongs” refers to the tool used for gripping or holding items, and the word is used in its plural form. But what if you want to refer to a single unit of this tool?

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The Singular of “Tongs”

The word “tongs” is considered a pluralia tantum noun, which means it is a noun that only appears in the plural form. Other examples of pluralia tantum nouns include “scissors,” “glasses,” “pants,” and “binoculars.” These words are typically used to describe objects that are made up of two parts or sections, and they are almost always referred to in the plural form, even when we’re talking about just one item.

Does “Tongs” Have a Singular Form?

Technically, “tongs” does not have a commonly used singular form in modern English. There is no single word like “tong” that refers to one side or half of a pair of tongs. Instead, when you need to refer to a single unit of “tongs,” you would generally use the phrase “a pair of tongs.”

Why Do We Say “A Pair of Tongs”?

Much like “scissors” or “pants,” “tongs” are viewed as a single tool made up of two parts. We use the phrase “a pair of tongs” to refer to one complete item, even though the word itself is plural. This is because “tongs” consist of two arms or prongs that work together to perform their function. In this sense, “a pair of tongs” is analogous to “a pair of scissors” or “a pair of glasses.”

Examples:

• Can you hand me a pair of tongs to serve the salad?
  (Here, “a pair of tongs” refers to one complete tool.)
• I bought a new pair of tongs for the barbecue.
  (Again, “a pair of tongs” refers to one tool, even though “tongs” is plural.)

It’s important to note that we don’t usually say “one tong” to refer to a single unit of this tool. In fact, using “one tong” would sound odd in most contexts. The phrase “a pair of tongs” is the accepted singular form, even though the word “tongs” itself remains plural.

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Why Are Some Nouns Always Plural?

To understand why “tongs” and similar words are always plural, it’s helpful to look at the logic behind pluralia tantum nouns. These nouns are typically used to describe objects that have two parts or are seen as a set. The word “tongs” refers to a tool that consists of two arms or prongs, which is why it is treated as a plural noun, even when referring to a single object.

Other Examples of Pluralia Tantum Nouns:

• Scissors: I need to cut this paper with scissors.
  (We would never say, “I need to cut this paper with a scissor.”)
• Pants: He wore a new pair of pants to the interview.
  (Even though we are referring to one item of clothing, we use the plural form “pants.”)
• Glasses: I left my glasses on the table.
  (We use “glasses” to refer to a pair of eyewear, not “glass.”)

In all of these cases, the object in question is made up of two parts or sections, which is why they are always referred to in the plural form. The same logic applies to “tongs.”

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How to Use “Tongs” in Sentences

When referring to “tongs” in various contexts, it’s important to keep in mind that the word is always plural, even when talking about a single tool. You should use the phrase “a pair of tongs” when you are referring to one item.

Correct Usage:

• I grabbed a pair of tongs to turn the vegetables on the grill.
  (This refers to one tool.)
• The chef used tongs to serve the pasta.
  (Here, the plural form “tongs” is used without specifying the number.)

Incorrect Usage:

• I grabbed a tong to turn the vegetables. ❌
  (This is incorrect because “tong” is not the singular form of “tongs.”)
• Do you have one tong I can borrow? ❌
  (Again, “one tong” is not commonly used, and it sounds awkward.)

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Common Questions and Answers About “Tongs”

Let’s address some common questions and misconceptions about the singular and plural usage of “tongs.”

Question 1:

Can I say “one tong” if I’m referring to just one tool?

Answer:
No, it’s not standard to say “one tong.” Instead, use the phrase “a pair of tongs” when referring to a single tool, even though “tongs” is plural.

Example:

• I need a pair of tongs to pick up the hot food.

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Question 2:

Why do we say “a pair of tongs” when we’re just talking about one tool?

Answer:
We say “a pair of tongs” because “tongs” consist of two arms or prongs that work together. In the same way that we say “a pair of scissors” or “a pair of glasses,” we use “a pair of tongs” to refer to one complete tool.

Example:

• She bought a new pair of tongs for the kitchen.

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Question 3:

Is “tongs” always plural?

Answer:
Yes, “tongs” is always plural. It refers to the tool made up of two parts, so even when you are referring to just one tool, the word remains plural.

Example:

• The waiter used tongs to serve the bread.

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Question 4:

Can you use “tongs” without specifying “a pair”?

Answer:
Yes, you can use “tongs” without specifying “a pair” if it’s clear from the context that you are referring to one complete tool. However, when you want to emphasize that you are talking about a single unit, it’s more common to say “a pair of tongs.”

Example:

• He used tongs to place the ice cubes in the glass.
  (In this case, “tongs” is used without specifying “a pair.”)

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Practice Questions: Tongs or A Pair of Tongs?

Let’s test your understanding of how to properly use “tongs” and “a pair of tongs” in sentences.

Question 1:

Which word or phrase is correct in the following sentence?

• Can you hand me _ to flip the chicken?

a) a tong
b) a pair of tongs
c) one tong

Answer:
b) a pair of tongs

Explanation: “A pair of tongs” is the correct phrase to use when referring to one complete tool.

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Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct word or phrase:

• I couldn’t find my _ so I used a fork instead.

Answer:
A pair of tongs

Explanation: The correct way to refer to one complete tool is to use “a pair of tongs.”

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Question 3:

True or False:
The singular form of “tongs” is “tong.”

Answer:
False

Explanation: There is no widely accepted singular form of “tongs.” Instead, we use the phrase “a pair of tongs” to refer to one tool.

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Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

a) She used one tong to grab the hot pan.
b) She used a pair of tongs to grab the hot pan.

Answer:
*b) She used a pair of tongs to grab the hot pan.

Explanation: The phrase “a pair of tongs” is the correct way to refer to the tool used for grabbing the hot pan.

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Conclusion

In summary, the word “tongs” is a plural noun that refers to a tool with two arms or prongs used for gripping or holding objects. While “tongs” is always plural, we use the phrase “a pair of tongs” when referring to a single unit of this tool, similar to how we refer to “a pair of scissors” or “a pair of glasses.”

Key Takeaways:

• “Tongs” is always plural and does not have a commonly used singular form.
• To refer to one unit of “tongs,” use the phrase “a pair of tongs.”
• Avoid using “one tong” or “a tong” as these forms are not standard.

By understanding these rules and practicing their correct usage, you’ll be able to confidently use “tongs” in your writing and speech.