What’s the Plural of Suspenders?
English grammar can be perplexing at times, especially when it comes to understanding the plural forms of different types of clothing. One particularly interesting case is the word “suspenders.” While some words for clothing items change form in the plural, others—like “suspenders”—remain the same. In this article, we will examine the plural of “suspenders” and explore how the word is used in sentences, providing examples, explanations, and answers to some common questions.
Table of Contents
What Are “Suspenders”?
Before diving into the plural form, let’s clarify what “suspenders” are.
Suspenders (known as “braces” in British English) are long strips of fabric or leather, typically worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers. They attach to the waistband of the trousers either by clips or buttons. Suspenders were once a staple of men’s fashion, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but today they are often considered a more formal or vintage accessory, though they remain in use.
Key Points About Suspenders:
- Suspenders are worn over the shoulders, with two straps running from the front of the trousers to the back.
- They are adjustable to fit different body types.
- They can be made from various materials, including elastic, leather, and fabric.
- They serve a functional purpose (holding up trousers) but are also used as a fashion statement.
Singular and Plural: “Suspenders” as a Plural-Only Word
Unlike most nouns, “suspenders” is always used in the plural form. Even when referring to a single pair of suspenders, we still say “suspenders” rather than “suspender.” This is because “suspenders” are considered a plural-only noun (also called a pluralia tantum), meaning they have no singular form that is commonly used. This is similar to other items of clothing that come in pairs or have two distinct parts, such as:
- Pants (or trousers in British English)
- Scissors
- Glasses (as in eyeglasses)
In each of these cases, the item is a single thing, but the noun is always in the plural because the item consists of two connected parts (such as two lenses for glasses, or two legs for pants).
Why Don’t We Say “Suspender”?
Since suspenders consist of two straps, the plural form reflects the fact that there are two components to the item. Even when referring to just one pair, we say “suspenders” to acknowledge both straps. The word “suspender” technically exists in English—used to describe a person or thing that suspends something—but it is not used to refer to the clothing item. If you were to say “suspender” in the context of clothing, it would sound strange or incorrect to most English speakers.
How to Use “Suspenders” in Sentences
Now that we understand that “suspenders” is always plural, let’s look at some examples to see how the word functions in sentences.
Singular Context (One Pair of Suspenders):
Even when talking about just one pair of suspenders, the word remains in its plural form:
- He wore a sharp suit with a pair of suspenders to the wedding.
(Here, “suspenders” refers to just one pair.) - His vintage suspenders added a touch of class to his outfit.
(In this sentence, “suspenders” is still plural, although it refers to one pair.) - I need to adjust these suspenders because they’re too tight.
(Here, “suspenders” is used to describe a single pair that the speaker is wearing.)
Plural Context (Multiple Pairs of Suspenders):
In cases where more than one pair of suspenders is being discussed, the word remains unchanged:
- The costume shop carried several different styles of suspenders for the actors.
(Here, “suspenders” refers to multiple pairs.) - He owns a collection of vintage suspenders in various colors and patterns.
(In this sentence, “suspenders” refers to multiple pairs.) - The clothing store had racks full of colorful suspenders for both men and women.
(Here, “suspenders” refers to several pairs, each in different colors.)
Common Questions About “Suspenders”
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s address some common questions and misconceptions about the word “suspenders.”
Question 1:
Is there a singular form of “suspenders”?
Answer:
No, there is no commonly used singular form of the word “suspenders” when referring to the clothing item. “Suspenders” is always plural, even when referring to one pair. This is similar to other plural-only nouns like “pants” or “scissors.”
Example:
- He wore a pair of suspenders to the formal event.
(Even though it’s one pair, the word “suspenders” is still plural.)
Question 2:
Can we say “a suspender” if we’re only talking about one strap?
Answer:
Technically, you could refer to one of the two straps as a “suspender,” but this would be very unusual. The word “suspenders” is almost always used to describe the entire set (both straps together), and saying “a suspender” might confuse listeners because they’re expecting the plural form. If one strap breaks or becomes loose, it’s more common to refer to it as “one of the suspenders” rather than as “a suspender.”
Example:
- One of the suspenders snapped while he was adjusting his trousers.
(This is a more natural way to refer to a single strap.)
Question 3:
Why do we say “pair of suspenders”?
Answer:
We say “pair of suspenders” because the item consists of two straps that are worn over the shoulders. Even though the two straps function together as one unit, they are considered a pair because of their dual structure. This is similar to how we say “a pair of pants” or “a pair of glasses.”
Example:
- I just bought a new pair of suspenders to go with my suit.
Question 4:
What’s the difference between “braces” and “suspenders”?
Answer:
The word “braces” is the British English term for what Americans call “suspenders.” In the UK, “suspenders” refer to a completely different item of clothing—specifically, the straps used to hold up stockings (known as garter belts in American English). So, while “suspenders” and “braces” refer to the same item in different dialects, it’s important to be aware of these differences when traveling or communicating internationally.
Example (British English):
- He wore a smart pair of braces with his trousers.
Example (American English):
- He wore a stylish pair of suspenders with his suit.
Practice Questions: Understanding the Plural of “Suspenders”
Let’s put your understanding of the plural form of “suspenders” to the test with some practice questions.
Question 1:
Which word is correct in the following sentence?
- He always wears a stylish pair of _ when he goes to formal events.
a) suspender
b) suspenders
Answer:
b) suspenders
Explanation: “Suspenders” is always plural, even when referring to a single pair.
Question 2:
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word:
- The store had several different styles of _ for sale.
Answer:
Suspenders
Explanation: Since we are referring to more than one pair of suspenders, the word remains in its plural form.
Question 3:
True or False:
“Suspender” is the singular form of “suspenders.”
Answer:
False
Explanation: “Suspenders” is a plural-only word, and there is no commonly used singular form when referring to the clothing item.
Question 4:
Which sentence is correct?
a) She bought a pair of suspender for her new trousers.
b) She bought a pair of suspenders for her new trousers.
Answer:
*b) She bought a pair of suspenders for her new trousers.
Explanation: “Suspenders” is always plural, even when referring to just one pair.
Conclusion
In summary, the word “suspenders” is an example of a plural-only noun, meaning it is always used in its plural form, even when referring to just one pair. This is because suspenders consist of two straps that function together, much like pants or scissors. Understanding this plural form is essential for using the word correctly in both writing and conversation.
Key Takeaways:
- “Suspenders” is always plural, even when referring to a single pair.
- The singular form “suspender” is not used when talking about the clothing item.
- “Braces” is the British English term for “suspenders” in American English.
By mastering the correct usage of “suspenders,” you can confidently incorporate this word into your vocabulary, whether you’re discussing fashion, adjusting your own pair, or simply learning more about the intricacies of English grammar.
