pablo3  +  34866 Mon, 28 Jun 04 11:16 AM I've been confused by the usage of the plural form of fruit - fruits. Most British books and some American books I have consulted, state that "fruit" is the correct pl. version of fruit. They also mention that "fruits" can be used as in "fruits of the forest". However, Brits seem to say "I eat a lot of fruit" while many Yanks us "fruits" in this sentance. At present I live in the US. and I'm puzzled by how people use both forms. In American grocery stores the sign in the produce section often says "fruits and vegetables". Would this form be used in GB? The word "fruits" is used on vitamin labels eg. made from fresh fruits. Yet, when I asked a few Americans, they said that "fruit" is the proper form and would use a sentance "I like fruit" or "There's some fruit on the table". Could someone please clarify it for me. I would really appreciate if I was given an answer by speakers of American and British English. Due to the interferance of my native language (Polish) I'm inclined to use "fruits", so I would like to know if using American I can get away with it a bit more then in English or are the rules the same. Thanks P.S. I have the same question abot the usuage of the plural "fishes", when can it be used outside of counting "fishes" in "The Sesame Street". pablo3 Joined on Mon, Jun 28 2004 New Member 02 Plurals, British English

	taiwandave  +  34934 Mon, 28 Jun 04 10:06 PM I wish there was an easy rule for explaining this. Some people say that the -s plural forms are used when talking about different kinds of fish and fruit, as in: The store sells many different kinds of fruits. There are ten species of fishes in the aquarium. However, this isn't valid advice since it is just as correct to say: The store sells many different kinds of fruit. There are ten species of fish in the aquarium. The sign "fruit and vegetables" is less common than "fruits and vegetables" not for any grammatical reason, but because the -s on the end of "vegetable" seems to be crying out for a companion at the end of "fruit". My personal recommendation -- and other people may disagree with me on this -- is that you stick to "fruit" and "fish". In my observation, these are more commonly-used than "fruits" and "fishes". taiwandave Joined on Mon, Jun 7 2004 Taoyuan City, Taiwan Full Member 287 Plurals

	pablo3  +  34953 Tue, 29 Jun 04 12:37 AM Thank You for your response. It helped a bit but I still would like to know what is considered correct on tests (because in spoken English one can get away with a lot ). I see "fruits" used on many labels meaning different kind of fruit, yet most natives say "I like fruit" but that also means different kind. pablo3

	taiwandave  +  35044 Tue, 29 Jun 04 04:57 PM Both plural forms (with and without -s) would be correct on tests. My personal advice is to always use "fish". As for fruit, I have thought of one situation in which "fruits" is better: There are 3 apples and 4 bananas on table. There are 7 fruits on the table. That is, if you have a number right before it, say "fruits". Someone else may be able to give you a more thorough answer on this subject. taiwandave Plurals