Nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh add -es to form the plural. This makes the word easier to pronounce.
Hippopotamus is regular. It follows the -es Addition rule.
Use plural verbs: "The hippopotamuses are ready" (not "is ready").
Yes. The plural hippopotamuses is standard across all English variants.
The word hippopotamus follows the standard English pluralization rule. When forming the plural, hippopotamus becomes hippopotamuses. This follows the -es Addition pattern, which is one of the most common plural rules in English.
Understanding why hippopotamus becomes hippopotamuses helps with spelling and pronunciation. Nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh add -es to form the plural. This makes the word easier to pronounce.
When using hippopotamuses in writing, remember that it functions as a plural noun in sentences. It pairs with plural verbs and pronouns. For example: "The hippopotamuses are ready" (not "is ready"). This subject-verb agreement is essential for grammatical correctness.