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"fishes"... grammatically incorrect?

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Gobbledygookie  #297881  Sun, 26 Nov 06 10:55 PM

If fish is the singular and plural form of the word, why do we need "fishes"? is "fishes" grammatically incorrect?

Also, since offspring is also the plural of offspring, does that mean "offsprings" is also grammatically incorrect?

gobbledygookie,

-Training to become an English teacher

  
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Grammar Geek  #297909  Mon, 27 Nov 06 12:42 AM

Hello Gobbledygookie,

"Fishes" is uses to describe many diferent types of fish, in the biological sense. It is correct, but not if you just want to say "I caught three fishes yesterday."  Then, you should use fish.

I can't imagine when "offsprings" is a correct noun, but perhaps someone will tell me.

  
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Yoong Liat  #297925  Mon, 27 Nov 06 01:46 AM
'offspring' is both the singular and plural form.
  
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