Plural of Fox Explained: From ‘Foxes’ to ‘Foxe’”

The word “fox” is a noun used to describe a small, clever animal often found in forests. When you need to talk about more than one fox, the word changes. Just like other nouns, “fox” has a plural form. Instead of just adding an “s” at the end like many words, there’s a small change. The plural of fox is “foxes.” isn’t it?

Let’s discuss the article in detail on this topic.

Is the Plural of Fox “Foxe”, “Foxes” or “Foxen”?

When it comes to the plural of fox, some people might wonder if it’s “foxe,” “foxes,” or even “foxen.” The correct plural is actually “foxes.” In English, most nouns form plural by adding an “s” or “es” at the end. Since “fox” ends with an “x,” we add “es” to make it plural. So, when talking about more than one fox, it’s “foxes.”

However, “foxe” and “foxen” are not correct. “Foxe” is simply a misspelling, and “foxen” might sound funny but isn’t used in modern English. Some old English words like “ox” do use “oxen” as a plural, but “fox” doesn’t follow that pattern. To keep it simple, always use “foxes” when discussing more than one.

Key points to remember:

• The correct plural of fox is “foxes.”
• “Foxe” is a misspelling.
• “Foxen” is not a valid plural form in modern English.

One fox or a dozen foxes, the plural form is only foxes.

Why the Confusion Over the Plural of Fox?

The confusion over the plural of fox comes from how English handles certain words. Some words change in unexpected ways, like “ox” becoming “oxen,” so people might think “fox” should follow the same pattern.

However, “fox” doesn’t follow that old rule. English has many exceptions, and “fox” simply adds “es” to become “foxes,” which can be confusing for those familiar with other irregular plurals.

Is fox singular or plural?

“Fox” is the singular form, used when talking about just one fox. It’s a noun that refers to a single animal.

The plural of fox is “foxes,” used when talking about more than one. So, “fox” is singular, and “foxes” is plural.

Is Fox a Countable or Uncountable Noun?

“Fox” is a countable noun, which means you can count the number of foxes. You can say “one fox” or “many foxes,” making it easy to keep track of them.

For example, you might see a single fox in the forest, or you could spot three foxes playing together. Since “fox” refers to specific animals, it’s something you can count.

Read Also: Plural of Rhinoceros

What’s the Collective Noun for Fox?

The collective noun for a group of foxes is a “skulk of foxes” or a “leash.” So, if you see several foxes together, you can say they are a skulk of foxes. These terms are used to describe foxes when they’re in a group.

Plural of Fox Example Sentences

Here are some examples of the plural of Fox

• I saw two foxes near the woods today.
• The foxes were playing in the field.
• There are many foxes living in this area.
• The pack of foxes quietly moved through the forest.
• The farmer tried to keep the foxes away from his chickens.
• At night, the foxes come out to hunt for food.
• We spotted several foxes running across the road.

Definition of Fox

A fox is a small, meat-eating furry,  wild animal known for its sharp features, bushy tail, and reddish-brown fur. Foxes are clever hunters, often found in forests, fields, and sometimes near human homes.

Where Does The Word “Fox Comes From”?

The word “fox” comes from Old English, where it was spelled “fox” or “foxes.” It originally referred to the animal we know today, and the name has remained quite similar over time.

The word is also related to other Germanic languages, such as German’s “Fuchs” and Dutch’s “vos.” This shows that the word for fox has ancient roots and hasn’t changed much through the centuries.

Extra Information

Here’s some extra information that might be useful:

• Historical Usage: In Middle English, “fox” was spelled as “fox” or “foxes,” reflecting its Old English roots. The transition from Old to Middle English didn’t significantly alter the pluralization rule for this word.
• Fun Fact: The term “skulk” for a group of foxes is thought to come from the old Scandinavian word for a thief, reflecting the fox’s reputation for being sneaky and elusive.
• Linguistic Comparison: Unlike some other animal plurals in English that follow irregular patterns, like “oxen” for “ox,” “foxes” uses the regular pluralization rule. This consistency makes it easier for learners to grasp.
• Cultural Impact: Foxes have been significant in various cultures and folklore, symbolizing cunning and adaptability. This cultural presence can sometimes lead to creative or non-standard uses of language when describing them.

Conclusion

When discussing the plural of “fox,” it’s important to remember that the correct form is “foxes.” The confusion around plural forms can arise from other irregular nouns, but “foxes” follow the standard rule of adding “es” to the end. Whether you encounter one fox or a group of foxes, using the correct plural helps keep your language clear and accurate.