Understanding the plural of ox and the plural of fox can be confusing. Although both words end with the same -x, their plural forms are totally different. One becomes oxen, while the other turns into foxes. This difference shows how complex and colorful the English language really is.
In this article, you’ll learn why ox – noun (animal, singular form) changes to oxen – plural noun (irregular plural of ox), and why fox – noun (animal, singular form) changes to foxes – plural noun (regular plural of fox). We’ll also explore how Old English – linguistic/historical entity shaped these plural rules and why some forms survived while others disappeared.
Singular Forms: Ox and Fox
The singular – grammatical entity form of ox refers to a strong farm animal that helps a farmer – occupational noun (used in examples) pull a cart – concrete noun (used in examples) through a field – concrete noun (used in examples). This word comes from Old English, where it was written as oxa. The singular form of ox has existed for over a thousand years, showing how deep the roots of English – language entity go.
The singular – grammatical entity form of fox describes a small, smart wild animal that often lives in a forest – location noun (used in examples). The singular form of fox also has Old English origins but follows newer English plural rules. So, while ox uses an old irregular plural – grammar category, fox uses a simple regular plural – grammar category.
Read More: Lucas’s or Lucas’: What’s the Difference?
Understanding English Plural Rules
In English grammar, most nouns form plurals by adding -s or -es – plural suffix (morpheme). For example, cat – example noun becomes cats, and box – example noun becomes boxes. These are regular nouns that follow modern plural formation in English.
But some words, like ox, child – example of another irregular plural, or man → men, follow irregular plural – grammar category rules. These older forms come from Old English, where words used different plural patterns such as -en – plural suffix (morpheme). That’s why English plurals seem inconsistent because the language history mixes both irregular nouns and regular nouns together.
Why Ox Changes to Oxen
The ox – noun (animal, singular form) belongs to a group of irregular nouns that use the ancient -en – plural suffix (morpheme) to form their plural – grammatical entity. The plural of ox is oxen – plural noun (irregular plural of ox), and this pattern dates back to Old English plurals. This form is rare today but survives in a few words like children – example of another irregular plural and brethren.
Saying oxes might feel natural because it matches modern English plural rules, but it’s incorrect. The word oxen has a special place in English vocabulary and historical grammar forms. It reminds us that not all words follow modern English grammar.
Scenario Example:
Picture a farmer in his field guiding two oxen as they pull a heavy cart. He says, “My oxen work hard every morning.” Here, the pronunciation of plural sounds natural. Using oxes would break the rule that comes from Old English – linguistic/historical entity.
Why Fox Changes to Foxes
The fox – noun (animal, singular form) follows a simple regular plural – grammar category rule. Because it ends in -x, we add -es – plural suffix (morpheme) to make foxes – plural noun (regular plural of fox). Other words ending in -x, like box – example noun or mix – example noun, follow the same pattern.
We don’t say foxen because fox was never part of the Old English plurals that used -en endings. It joined a newer group of regular nouns that form plurals with -es endings. So in modern English grammar, foxes is both natural and correct.
Scenario Example:
Imagine walking through a forest at dawn. You see several foxes darting between the trees. The plural sounds smooth and clear, showing perfect pronunciation of plural for words ending in -x. The plural of fox is always foxes, never foxen.
Comparing Oxen and Foxes Side by Side
The difference between oxen and foxes shows two unique plural patterns in the English language. One keeps an Old English rule, while the other follows a modern one.
| Word | Singular | Correct Plural | Incorrect Plural | Rule Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ox | Ox – noun (animal, singular form) | Oxen – plural noun (irregular plural of ox) | Oxes | Irregular plural (-en – plural suffix (morpheme)) |
| Fox | Fox – noun (animal, singular form) | Foxes – plural noun (regular plural of fox) | Foxen | Regular plural (-es – plural suffix (morpheme)) |
This contrast shows how English grammar keeps pieces of its language history alive. It’s what makes English language learning both fun and challenging.
Tips to Overcome Confusion
To remember which is which, link them with easy phrases. Say, “Oxen pull carts; foxes chase chickens.” Practice using these in sentences to improve your English writing practice. Read them aloud to get used to their pronunciation of plural endings.
When studying plural formation in English, remember that irregular plural words like oxen keep old forms, while regular plural words like foxes follow clear rules. Over time, using both correctly becomes second nature.
Common Misconceptions About Oxen vs Oxes and Foxes vs Fox
Many people mistakenly write oxes or foxen because they think all words ending in -x should take the same plural suffix. This grammar mistake is common in English language learning, but easy to fix with practice.
Some writers even use foxen for humor, but it’s not part of modern English grammar. In academic and everyday writing, oxen and foxes are the only correct forms. Keeping this in mind prevents confusion and strengthens your English vocabulary.
Why Language Keeps These Odd Plurals
The English language holds on to these odd plurals because of tradition. Words like oxen and children come from Old English, which had many complex linguistic rules. These old forms stayed because people continued to use them for centuries.
Instead of replacing them with modern versions, English blended historical grammar forms with new plural rules. This mix makes the language both unique and expressive. Even today, an irregular plural like oxen tells the story of the past, while foxes shows how English adapted over time.
FAQs
What is the plural of ox and fox?
The plural of ox is oxen, and the plural of fox is foxes. They follow two different plural rules in English grammar.
What is the plural of an ox?
The plural of ox – noun (animal, singular form) is oxen – plural noun (irregular plural of ox). It follows the old -en ending from Old English.
Is it correct to say “oxes”?
No, oxes is incorrect. The correct form is oxen, which belongs to the irregular plural – grammar category.
Why is the plural of fox not foxen?
Because fox – noun (animal, singular form) follows regular plural – grammar category rules and takes -es – plural suffix (morpheme) to form foxes – plural noun (regular plural of fox).
Final Word
Both oxen and foxes reveal how fascinating the English language can be. The plural of ox shows an ancient rule from Old English, while the plural of fox displays a simple, modern pattern.
Learning about irregular plural and regular plural forms strengthens your understanding of English grammar. So next time you see a farmer leading two oxen in a field, or a group of foxes running through the forest, you’ll know exactly why their plurals look and sound that way.
