Job Discussion Forums

[kt_monster]

I have alway thought the plural of fish was fish. one fish two fish etc. However the english book I use say fishes, this just seems wrong to me. The people around me I have asked (all chinese) say fishes. Whos right me or the book?

[sheeba]

From the Oxford Dictionary - Fish is the usual plural form. The older form fishes can be used to refer to different kinds of fish but you are correct in telling your students we say ' there are plenty more fish in the sea' My idioms dictionary also uses 'fish'

[7969]

[kev7161]

Are you sure it's not being used as a verb?

He fishes for trout every evening.

or

She fishes for a compliment, but rarely gets one.


Something like that?

[kt_monster]

Thanks for the replys, I thought I was right.
No it is not being used as a verb it is "He eats the fishes" type sentences.

[The_Prodiigy]

Both are acceptable.

FISH is the more common.

[Craig!]

''One Fish, Two Fish, Green Fish, Blue Fish'' is one interactive computer game in www.seussville.com > playground. Check it out.
''Sam-I-Am'' is better for building sentences.
I generally don't like to use computer games in class, but now and then, I have to ''throw 'em a bone.''

[latefordinner]

I'll agree with the_prod, both are acceptable. I remember as a kid learning the story of "The loaves and the fishes". (OK, I'm showing my age here a bit) I have to wonder though if fish is more common than fishes because it is less awkward, or if fishes seems more awkward simply because it is less common. Chickens and eggs, perhaps?

We had company over for dinner, now its time to head to the kitchen. Plenty of dish in the sink to wash. If I had 3 wish, I'd ask for more wish. Hugs and kish, all

[jammish]

No, fishes is definitely NOT acceptable as the plural of the noun 'fish' unless you are gollum.

[KES]