Question

In which of the following pairs is the plural form an example of zero inflection?

• A. Cat - Cats
• B. Book - Books
• C. Sheep - Sheep
• D. Mouse - Mice

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Sheep - Sheep

Understanding Zero Inflection in Plurals

• Zero inflection, also known as null plural or unmarked plural, refers to a phenomenon in grammar where the plural form of a noun is identical to its singular form. There is no change (inflection) in the word's ending or internal structure to indicate plurality.
• The pair 'Sheep - Sheep' is a classic example of zero inflection. The word 'sheep' remains the same whether referring to one animal or multiple animals.

Common Examples and Categories

• Many animal names exhibit zero inflection for their plural forms. Besides 'sheep,' other notable examples include:
  • Deer - Deer
  • Fish - Fish (though 'fishes' can be used to refer to different species of fish)
  • Swine - Swine
  • Moose - Moose
  • Bison - Bison
  • Cod - Cod
  • Salmon - Salmon
• Words referring to certain groups or quantities often use zero inflection:
  • Series - Series (e.g., a TV series, multiple TV series)
  • Species - Species (e.g., a species, multiple species)
  • Means - Means (e.g., a means of transport, multiple means of transport)
  • Offspring - Offspring
  • Aircraft - Aircraft
  • Hovercraft - Hovercraft
  • Spacecraft - Spacecraft
• Some measurements or currencies, especially in specific contexts:
  • Dozen - Dozen (e.g., two dozen eggs)
  • Score - Score (meaning twenty, e.g., 'four score and seven years ago')
  • Hundred - Hundred, Thousand - Thousand (when used with a number, e.g., 'five thousand dollars')
  • Pound - Pound (especially for weight, 'five pound of sugar,' though 'pounds' is more common in general use)

Historical Context and Origin

• Many of these words are Old English in origin, where such plural forms were more common. Over time, most English nouns adopted the '-s' or '-es' plural ending, but a few irregular forms, including zero inflection, persisted.
• For animal names, the consistency of the singular and plural forms might also relate to their utility or how they were historically counted in herds or groups.

Relevance for Competitive Exams

• Questions on irregular plurals, including zero inflection, are frequently asked in competitive exams under the English grammar or verbal ability sections.
• It tests a candidate's understanding of idiomatic English and exceptions to general grammatical rules.
• Being aware of these specific words can help in identifying correct sentence structures and avoiding common errors.