Some Languages Have a Dual as Well as a Plural
Plural means more than one. English has singular and plural, but many languages have counted a third number.
Plural describes a form referring to more than one. English makes do with two numbers, but that is not universal: Ancient Greek, Arabic and Old English all had a *dual* for exactly two, distinct from the plural for three or more. Old English *wit* meant we two, and *git* meant you two. Both were lost by the thirteenth century.
- Referring to more than one. *A plural noun.*
- A plural form. *The plural of child.*
- Consisting of several elements. *A plural society.*
- Plurality — the state of being multiple. *A plurality of views.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | plural | A plural verb. |
| Noun | plural | The plural is mice. |
| Noun | plurality | A plurality of votes. |
| Opposite | singular | A singular noun. |
| Related | dual | The dual number. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Old English had a dual number.For exactly two.
- Sheep is both singular and plural.Unchanged.
- Plurality in American voting means most votes.Not necessarily a majority.
Grammatical number around the world
- Singular and plural — the English system
- Dual — for exactly two, in Arabic and Ancient Greek
- Trial — for exactly three, in some Austronesian languages
- Paucal — for a few, in several languages
- No number marking — Mandarin does not mark plural on nouns
From Old French *plurel*, from Latin *pluralis*, from *plus*, more.
Did English have a dual?
Yes. Old English had *wit* for we two and *git* for you two. Both disappeared by the thirteenth century.
Plurality or majority?
In American usage a plurality is the largest share of votes; a majority is more than half. A candidate can win a plurality without a majority.