This isn't about those who speak English as a second language; I'm talking first language here.

The other day I'm watching a show on marine biology and this biologist, a mollusk expert, keeps referring to more than one octopus as "octopuses". Now I can understand the common man making such a mistake but I'm talking about a PhD in marine biology.

Today I'm reading an article on database efficiency and the author, a computer scientist, keeps referring to more than one index as "indexes". Again, a very well educated person of above average intelligence who doesn't know how to speak the language within his own profession.

What's up wit'dat?

BTW: copy wit

 

That's not English, it's Latin

Anyway, misuse of the plural in words of Latin or Greek origin is so common it's not worth bothering about. How many people get criterion (singular) and criteria (plural) right? "Well according to this criteria...."

 

Many people use indexes instead of indices

 

cthree, I am sure you expected SOMEONE like me to bite!!!!

Octopus n. (pl. -puses) - extract from Oxford English Dictionary.

Index n. (pl. indexes or indices) - extract from Oxford English Dictionary

and by the way, while we are at is it is a mollusC not a mollusK


God don't you hate it when people complain about the use of a language and don't even get it right themselves

 

Where you been C3?

 

It's tough when one is struggling with three languages!!

 

Yeah, but if you read cthree's post, he clearly states that he is only talking about people who have English as their first language! I would therefore have to assume that it is not HIS first language

 

octopuses or octopi according to dictionary.com
indexes or indices from the same source.


don't blame him for speaking Canadian

 

NOTHING is wrong with canadians, eh?

 

I believe octopode is also an acceptable plural form of octopus.