Mastering Irregular Plurals from Latin and Greek

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and approachable guide to mastering foreign plural nouns in English, specifically those borrowed from Latin and Greek. The narrator explains that while English often regularizes these words over time (e.g., "funguses" vs. "fungi"), understanding the traditional rules is crucial for formal academic and scientific contexts. Through a hand-drawn chart, the video breaks down six specific patterns for pluralizing loanwords, offering a practical "cheat sheet" for students navigating complex vocabulary. The content explores key grammatical themes including irregular plurals, loanwords, and the evolution of language. It distinguishes between descriptive usage (how people actually speak in casual settings) and prescriptive rules (formal standards), using examples like "cactus/cacti" and "data/datum" to illustrate how English is constantly changing. The video emphasizes that one does not need to speak ancient languages to master English grammar, but rather that recognizing these patterns helps decipher unfamiliar words. For educators, this resource is invaluable for teaching advanced vocabulary, spelling rules, and scientific terminology. It serves as an excellent bridge between English Language Arts and science curricula, where words like "larvae," "fungi," and "hypotheses" appear frequently. The video demystifies intimidating words and empowers students to confidently use formal language in their writing and presentations while reassuring them that making mistakes is part of the learning process.