Plural of genus

The Quick Answer

The plural of "genus" is "genera."

The Plural of Genus

The plural of "genus" is "genera."

The noun genus has a Latin root, which is the derivation of the plural genera.
  • The number of species in genera varies considerably among taxonomic groups. correct tick
  • However, some insect genera such as the bee genera Lasioglossum and Andrena have over 1000 species each. correct tick

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The Standard Rules for Forming the Plurals

The table below shows the standard rules for forming the plurals of nouns in English.
Type Example of Type Forming the Plural Plural
Most Nouns cat
scythe
add s cats
scythes
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z bus
dress
add es buses
dresses
Nouns ending [consonant] o mango
zero
tomato
add either s or es
(There are no rules for this - you have to know.)
mangoes or mangos
zeros
tomatoes
Nouns ending [vowel] o patio
ratio
add s patios
ratios
Nouns ending [consonant] y story
penny
change the y to an i and add es stories
pennies
Nouns ending [vowel] y storey (small British flag)
donkey
add s storeys
donkeys
Nouns ending f or fe dwarf
knife
ves and/or s
(There are no rules - you have to know.)
dwarfs
knives
Exceptions goose
louse
some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change geese
lice
More exceptions salmon
sheep
some nouns do not change at all salmon
sheep
Foreign rulings genus
medium
some nouns adopt foreign rulings genera
media
Read more about English spelling rules.

Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Genus?

"Genera" is the only way to make the noun "genus" plural.

Confusion arises over the plural of genus because its plural form (genera) derives from Latin and native English speakers are drawn to genuses, which would adhere to the standard ruling for forming plurals.
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.