The plural form of "thesis" is a topic of much debate among writers, editors, and linguists. While there is no one "right" answer, there are several commonly accepted ways to form the plural of thesis. In this article, we will explore five ways to form the plural of thesis, along with their usage and examples.
Understanding the Origins of the Word "Thesis"
Before we dive into the plural forms of thesis, it's essential to understand the origins of the word. "Thesis" comes from the Greek word "θέσις" (thesis), meaning "a placing" or "a proposition." In ancient Greek, the word "θέσις" was used to describe a proposition or a statement that was put forth for discussion or debate.
1. The Traditional Plural Form: Theses
The traditional plural form of thesis is "theses." This form is widely accepted and used in academic and formal writing. For example:
- "The student submitted two theses for her master's degree."
- "The university library has an extensive collection of theses on various subjects."
Usage and Examples
The plural form "theses" is commonly used in academic writing, particularly in the fields of philosophy, literature, and science. It is also used in formal writing, such as in academic journals, books, and theses themselves.
- "The author's theses on the topic of climate change are well-researched and persuasive."
- "The committee reviewed several theses on the topic of artificial intelligence before making their decision."
2. The Latinized Plural Form: Thesi
Some writers and scholars use the Latinized plural form "thesi." This form is less common than "theses," but it is still accepted in certain academic and formal contexts. For example:
- "The student submitted two thesi for her Ph.D. degree."
- "The academic journal published several thesi on the topic of linguistics."
Usage and Examples
The plural form "thesi" is commonly used in academic writing, particularly in the fields of classics, philosophy, and theology. It is also used in formal writing, such as in academic journals and books.
- "The author's thesi on the topic of Plato's philosophy are well-researched and insightful."
- "The committee reviewed several thesi on the topic of biblical studies before making their decision."
3. The Anglicized Plural Form: Theseses
Some writers and scholars use the Anglicized plural form "theseses." This form is less common than "theses," but it is still accepted in certain informal and creative contexts. For example:
- "The student submitted two theseses for her undergraduate degree."
- "The blog published several theseses on the topic of pop culture."
Usage and Examples
The plural form "theseses" is commonly used in informal writing, such as in blogs, social media, and creative writing. It is also used in certain academic contexts, such as in student papers and presentations.
- "The author's theseses on the topic of social justice are well-researched and thought-provoking."
- "The committee reviewed several theseses on the topic of education before making their decision."
4. The Irregular Plural Form: Thesis
Some writers and scholars use the irregular plural form "thesis" to refer to multiple theses. This form is less common than "theses," but it is still accepted in certain formal and technical contexts. For example:
- "The student submitted two thesis for her master's degree."
- "The academic journal published several thesis on the topic of engineering."
Usage and Examples
The plural form "thesis" is commonly used in formal and technical writing, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is also used in certain academic contexts, such as in academic journals and books.
- "The author's thesis on the topic of quantum physics are well-researched and innovative."
- "The committee reviewed several thesis on the topic of computer science before making their decision."
5. The Plural Form in Other Languages
The plural form of thesis can vary in other languages. For example, in French, the plural form is "thèses," while in German, it is "Thesen." In Spanish, the plural form is "tesis," while in Italian, it is "tesi."
Usage and Examples
The plural form of thesis in other languages is commonly used in academic and formal writing, particularly in the fields of literature, philosophy, and science. It is also used in formal writing, such as in academic journals, books, and theses themselves.
- "La étudiante presentó dos tesis para su título de máster." (The student submitted two theses for her master's degree.)
- "Le comité a examiné plusieurs thèses sur le sujet de la physique quantique." (The committee reviewed several theses on the topic of quantum physics.)
In conclusion, the plural form of thesis can be formed in several ways, including "theses," "thesi," "theseses," "thesis," and the plural form in other languages. While there is no one "right" answer, each form has its own usage and examples in academic and formal writing.
What is the traditional plural form of thesis?
+The traditional plural form of thesis is "theses."
Is the plural form "thesi" commonly used?
+No, the plural form "thesi" is less common than "theses," but it is still accepted in certain academic and formal contexts.
Can the plural form "thesis" be used to refer to multiple theses?
+Yes, the plural form "thesis" can be used to refer to multiple theses in certain formal and technical contexts.
We hope this article has helped you understand the different ways to form the plural of thesis. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to share them below!