Understanding the Plural Form of Hypothesis
In scientific research and academic writing, the term "hypothesis" is commonly used to refer to an educated guess or a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. However, when it comes to using the plural form of hypothesis, many people are unsure about the correct term to use. In this article, we will explore the plural form of hypothesis and provide guidance on how to use it correctly.
What is the Plural Form of Hypothesis?
The plural form of hypothesis is actually a topic of debate among linguists and scholars. There are two commonly used plural forms of hypothesis: "hypotheses" and "hypothesises". Both forms are acceptable, but "hypotheses" is the more commonly used and preferred term in academic and scientific writing.
The reason for the two plural forms is due to the word's Greek origins. The word "hypothesis" comes from the Greek words "hypo" (meaning "under") and "thesis" (meaning "placing"). In Greek, the plural form of hypothesis would be "hypotheses", which is the form that is most commonly used in English.
Why is "Hypotheses" the Preferred Plural Form?
There are several reasons why "hypotheses" is the preferred plural form of hypothesis:
- Etymology: As mentioned earlier, the word "hypothesis" comes from Greek, and the plural form "hypotheses" is a more direct translation of the Greek plural form.
- Usage: "Hypotheses" is the more commonly used plural form in academic and scientific writing. It is the preferred term in fields such as psychology, physics, and biology.
- Style guides: Many style guides, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend using "hypotheses" as the plural form of hypothesis.
When to Use "Hypothesises"?
While "hypotheses" is the preferred plural form, there are some situations where "hypothesises" may be used:
- Informal writing: In informal writing, such as blog posts or social media, "hypothesises" may be used as a plural form of hypothesis.
- Non-academic writing: In non-academic writing, such as journalism or creative writing, "hypothesises" may be used as a plural form of hypothesis.
However, it's worth noting that "hypothesises" is not a commonly used term, and it may be perceived as less formal or less accurate than "hypotheses".
Best Practices for Using the Plural Form of Hypothesis
Here are some best practices for using the plural form of hypothesis:
- Use "hypotheses" in academic and scientific writing: In academic and scientific writing, it's best to use "hypotheses" as the plural form of hypothesis.
- Use "hypothesises" in informal writing: In informal writing, such as blog posts or social media, "hypothesises" may be used as a plural form of hypothesis.
- Be consistent: Regardless of which plural form you choose, it's essential to be consistent throughout your writing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the plural form of hypothesis is a topic of debate among linguists and scholars. While both "hypotheses" and "hypothesises" are acceptable plural forms, "hypotheses" is the more commonly used and preferred term in academic and scientific writing. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that you use the plural form of hypothesis correctly and effectively in your writing.
What is the plural form of hypothesis?
+The plural form of hypothesis is "hypotheses".
Why is "hypotheses" the preferred plural form?
+"Hypotheses" is the preferred plural form because it is a more direct translation of the Greek plural form, and it is the more commonly used term in academic and scientific writing.
When should I use "hypothesises"?
+"Hypothesises" may be used in informal writing, such as blog posts or social media, but it is not a commonly used term and may be perceived as less formal or less accurate than "hypotheses".