The plural of asparagus can be asparagus or asparaguses. Both forms are considered correct, although "asparagus" (as an unchanged plural) is more frequently used.
Understanding Asparagus as a Noun
Asparagus typically functions as a mass noun, similar to words like "fish" or "sheep," where the singular form is often used to refer to both a single item and a collection of items. This means you can refer to one spear or many spears using the same word "asparagus."
However, like some mass nouns, it also has a regular plural form ending in "-es," which is "asparaguses." This form might be used when emphasizing individual stalks or different varieties of the vegetable.
Plural Forms and Their Usage
Here's a quick overview of the singular and plural forms:
Singular Form | Plural Form(s) |
---|---|
Asparagus | Asparagus, Asparaguses |
Using "Asparagus" (Unchanged Plural)
This is the most common and widely accepted plural form, especially when referring to the vegetable collectively or as a dish.
- Examples:
- "I bought a bunch of fresh asparagus from the market."
- "The recipe calls for a pound of asparagus."
- "There was a lot of asparagus on my plate."
Using "Asparaguses" (Regular Plural)
While less common, "asparaguses" is grammatically correct and can be used, particularly when you want to emphasize distinct individual stalks or different types/varieties of asparagus.
- Examples:
- "The gardener planted several different asparaguses in the garden, including purple and white varieties."
- "Chef John prepared the asparaguses by snapping off their woody ends."
- "Each of the asparaguses on the plate was perfectly steamed."
Which Plural is More Common?
In everyday conversation and culinary contexts, using "asparagus" as both the singular and plural form is generally preferred and more common. "Asparaguses" is understood but might sound slightly less natural to some ears, though it is perfectly valid. Choosing between them often depends on the specific emphasis you wish to convey.
For Further Reference
For more information on word definitions and usage, you can consult reputable dictionaries like Merriam-Webster.