Somehow its plural form survived the lexical lobotomy that gripped English in the Middle Ages.Ī: Not at all. “Phenomenon” has Greek and Latin origins, and adding “s” for plurals was never cool in those languages. Q: So, why isn’t the plural of phenomenon “phenomenons”?Ī: Fair question. ![]() I always got stuck on Optimus Prime’s head… Q: I used to be able to solve those in under a minute. Other phenomena over the years have included Zhu Zhu Pets, Transformers and even Rubik’s Cube. Fidget spinners are just the latest phenomenon to hit toy stores. Q: So can you give me examples of using them correctly?Ī: Sure. But it’s a common mistake – referring to a singular “phenomenon” as the plural form “phenomena” instead. Q: My friend corrected me, saying they were actually a “phenomenon”. Well, these fidget spinner things have taken the world by storm, and I told my friend that it was quite a phenomena. Q: Do you mean like that time we talked about Pokemon Go?Ī: Yes. It’s fine now, but anyone reading back on our blog in a year’s time may not find it very relevant. Q: Well, I was talking with a friend yesterday and her 11-year-old is currently obsessed with “fidget spinners”.Ī: Well, you’ve gone and mentioned something topical. ![]() Q: Hi AWC – I have a question about “phenomena”.Ī: Do doo de-do-do de-do-do de-do-do de-do-do-do do do do-doo do.Ī: Sorry, it just reminded us of this muppets song. This week it's something like a phenomenon… It’s a celebration of language, masquerading as a passive-aggressive whinge about words and weirdness. How to Build a Successful Freelance Copywriting BusinessĮach week here at the Australian Writers’ Centre, we dissect and discuss, contort and retort, ask and gasp at the English language and all its rules, regulations and ridiculousness.
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