I studied French for eight years. During that time, I consistently lamented how many exceptions there seemed to be for each grammar rule.
It was exhausting simply trying to remember the rules, much less all the rebellious words that didn't follow them.
However, my professors were always quick to remind my peers and me that we didn't have it that bad—given that English has significantly more inconsistencies.
Related: Free download: 10 punctuation essentials
Even though English is my first language, I still learn something new about it almost every day. Take plurals, for example. Though there are quite a few rules about how to make words plural, many words and phrases fail to follow convention. Below are some that have given me trouble:
Alumnae: This refers to a group of female graduates. One female graduate is an alumna.
Alumni: This refers to a group of male, or a combination of male and female, graduates. One male graduate is an alumnus.
Attorneys general: Not that the "s" comes after attorney, not general.
Culs-de-sac: Yes, it's weird. Even "Gilmore Girls" made fun of it.
Data: The singular form is datum.
Media. Media refers to multiple channels of communication. If you want to talk about just one, use the singular form, medium. Do not use "mediums," unless you're discussing T-shirts: "I'll need a small, three mediums, and 14 XXXLs."
Octopuses: Yes, octopuses is the correct plural form of octopus, not octopi. (It derives from Greek, not Latin.) However, according to Grammarly, some dictionaries deem octopi acceptable because it is so widely used. (Editor's note: Be correct; use octopuses.)
Passersby: The people are the passers, which is why that part of the word becomes plural. The -by suffix describes how the people are passing.
Phenomena: Never phenomenons.
Sisters-in-law: Also, brothers-in-law, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, etc.
Are there any other confusing plurals that you think belong on this list? Please share in the comments.
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