Why the Plural of Ox Is Oxen but Box Is Boxes

Khan Academy

This educational video explores the fascinating history behind irregular English plurals, specifically focusing on the rare "-en" ending found in words like "children" and "oxen." The narrator, David, breaks down why English grammar often feels unpredictable by explaining its roots as a Germanic language derived from Old English. He uses humor and clear handwriting to illustrate how historical regional variations eventually distilled into the standard English rules we use today. The video delves into etymology to explain common student questions, such as why the plural of "ox" is "oxen" while the plural of "box" is "boxes." By distinguishing between native Old English words and borrowed words from Greek or Latin, the lesson demystifies these apparent inconsistencies. The content encourages students to view English not as a rigid block of rules, but as a "lashed together raft" of history and diverse influences. Included as a bonus segment is a historical anecdote about William Caxton, the first English printer, and a 15th-century confusion between the words "eggs" and "eyren." This story vividly illustrates the concept of dialects and the evolution of language, making it an excellent resource for discussing how communication technologies like the printing press helped standardize the English language.