What’s the Plural of Platypus?

The platypus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Native to Australia, this unique mammal is known for its duck-like bill, webbed feet, and the fact that it lays eggs despite being a mammal. But while its biology might be widely known, the question of its plural form often leaves people puzzled. Is it platypi? Platypuses? Or something entirely different?

In this article, we’ll explore the correct plural form of platypus, look into why it follows specific rules, and provide examples to help clarify its pluralization in different contexts. We’ll also answer common questions and offer some practice questions with answers to ensure you’re confident in using the plural form of platypus.

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What Is the Plural of “Platypus”?

The correct plural form of platypus is platypuses. While some people might assume that platypi is the plural (following a common misconception about words that end in -us), this is not the case. Platypus is not a Latin-derived word, but instead has Greek origins, which means the pluralization rules are different.

Why Isn’t the Plural “Platypi”?

Many words in English that end in -us come from Latin, and these words typically pluralize by changing -us to -i. For example:

• Cactus → Cacti
• Alumnus → Alumni
• Focus → Foci

However, platypus does not follow this rule because it is not a Latin word. The word platypus comes from Greek, where platys means “flat” and pous means “foot.” Therefore, applying Latin rules to the pluralization of platypus is incorrect. That’s why platypi is a popular, but incorrect, assumption.

In English, the standard way to pluralize platypus follows regular English pluralization rules for words that end in -s: simply add -es. Therefore, the correct plural form is platypuses.

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Can You Say “Platypi”?

While some people might say platypi informally or as a joke, it is not considered grammatically correct. Since platypus is derived from Greek, not Latin, the -i pluralization doesn’t apply. If you’re writing or speaking formally, it’s best to use the correct plural form, platypuses.

It’s worth noting that some might also suggest platypodes as the plural, based on the Greek root pous (meaning “foot”). While this would be technically accurate in Greek, it is not commonly used in English. Most dictionaries and style guides recommend using platypuses as the correct plural form.

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Examples of “Platypus” and “Platypuses” in Sentences

Let’s clarify the correct use of platypus and platypuses with some example sentences in both singular and plural contexts.

Singular Form of “Platypus”:

• The platypus is one of the few mammals that lay eggs.
  (Here, platypus refers to one animal.)
• A young platypus is called a puggle.
  (This sentence discusses a single baby platypus.)
• The platypus uses its webbed feet to swim gracefully in the water.
  (This example shows the singular form, referring to one platypus.)

Plural Form “Platypuses”:

• Several platypuses were spotted near the riverbank this morning.
  (Here, platypuses refers to more than one platypus.)
• The researchers studied the behavior of the platypuses in their natural habitat.
  (In this sentence, platypuses refers to multiple animals.)
• Australia is home to many unique animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses.
  (This example uses platypuses to refer to a group of the animals.)

Using “Platypus” in Different Tenses:

• Present Tense:
• The platypus is swimming in the river.
  (Singular: platypus refers to one animal.)
• The platypuses are searching for food along the riverbank.
  (Plural: platypuses refers to multiple animals.)
• Past Tense:
• The biologist observed a platypus building its burrow.
  (Singular: platypus refers to one animal.)
• They observed several platypuses swimming in the creek.
  (Plural: platypuses refers to multiple animals.)

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Common Questions About “Platypus” and Its Plural Forms

Let’s address some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion about the pluralization and usage of platypus.

Question 1:

Is “platypi” ever correct?

Answer:
No, platypi is not correct. While some people might assume that the plural should follow the Latin rule of changing -us to -i, platypus is not a Latin word. It has Greek origins, and the correct plural form in English is platypuses.

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Question 2:

Can I use “platypuses” in formal writing?

Answer:
Yes, platypuses is the correct and accepted plural form in both formal and informal writing. It follows standard English pluralization rules and is recommended by dictionaries and style guides.

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Question 3:

Why don’t we use “platypodes” as the plural?

Answer:
Technically, platypodes would be correct in Greek because the word pous (meaning “foot”) takes the plural form podes in Greek. However, English speakers don’t commonly use this plural form. The word platypuses has become the standard plural in English, and it is the form recognized by most English dictionaries.

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Question 4:

Is “platypus” a countable noun?

Answer:
Yes, platypus is a countable noun. This means you can refer to one platypus or several platypuses. When discussing more than one, use the correct plural form, platypuses.

Examples:

• Singular: I saw a platypus swimming in the river.
• Plural: I saw three platypuses during my trip to Australia.

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Question 5:

How do other “-us” ending animal names form their plurals?

Answer:
Not all animal names that end in -us follow the same pluralization rules. Here are a few examples:

• Octopus: The plural is octopuses (though some people mistakenly use octopi).
• Hippopotamus: The plural is hippopotamuses (though hippopotami is also used informally).
• Cactus: The plural is cacti (since cactus is derived from Latin).

Each word has its own origin and rules for pluralization. It’s important to check the word’s etymology to determine the correct plural form.

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Practice Questions: Using “Platypus” and “Platypuses” Correctly

Let’s test your understanding of how to use platypus and platypuses with the following practice questions.

Question 1:

Fill in the blank with the correct plural form:

The scientists observed several _ near the riverbank.

a) platypi
b) platypuses
c) platypodes

Answer:
b) platypuses

Explanation: The correct plural form is platypuses, following standard English pluralization rules.

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Question 2:

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

a) The platypi were swimming together.
b) The platypuses were swimming together.
c) The platypodes were swimming together.

Answer:
*b) The platypuses were swimming together.

Explanation: Platypuses is the correct plural form for platypus. Platypi is incorrect, and platypodes, while technically correct in Greek, is not commonly used in English.

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Question 3:

True or False:
“Platypi” is an acceptable plural form of “platypus.”

Answer:
False

Explanation: The correct plural form in English is platypuses, not platypi.

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Question 4:

What is the plural form of “platypus”?

a) platypi
b) platypuses
c) platypodes

Answer:
b) platypuses

Explanation: The correct plural form is platypuses, following standard English rules for pluralizing nouns that end in -us and are not derived from Latin.

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Singular and Plural Forms of Other “-us” Ending Words

To further clarify how platypus fits into the broader category of -us ending words, let’s look at a few more examples. Some words follow the -i pluralization rule, while others do not.

Words That Follow the “-i” Pluralization Rule (from Latin):

• Cactus → Cacti
• The desert was filled with tall cacti.
• Alumnus → Alumni
• The university’s alumni gathered for the annual reunion.
• Focus → Foci
• The scientist shifted the foci of the lenses to improve clarity.

Words That Do Not Follow the “-i” Rule (from Greek or English):

• Octopus → Octopuses
• The aquarium had several octopuses in the exhibit.
• Hippopotamus → Hippopotamuses
• We saw many hippopotamuses on the safari.
• Platypus → Platypuses
• The researchers tracked the movements of the platypuses in the wild.

These examples show that the pluralization of -us ending words depends on their origin, whether Latin, Greek, or otherwise. In the case of platypus, the correct plural is platypuses.

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Conclusion

The plural of platypus is platypuses, following standard English pluralization rules for words that end in -s. While some might mistakenly think that platypi is the correct plural, this form is incorrect because platypus is derived from Greek, not Latin. The correct, common, and accepted plural form is platypuses.

Key Takeaways:

• The correct plural form of platypus is platypuses.
• Platypi is a common misconception and is not grammatically correct.
• Platypodes is technically correct in Greek but is not used in English.
• The pluralization of -us ending words depends on their origin, with platypus following regular English rules.

By mastering the proper pluralization of platypus, you can confidently use the word in both written and spoken English, whether you’re discussing biology, wildlife, or simply talking about this fascinating animal!