As a language expert with a deep understanding of both English and Chinese, I'm pleased to address your question about the plural form of the word "zero." In English, the word "zero" is unique in that it can be both a cardinal number and a noun. When it functions as a cardinal number, it is used to denote the absence of quantity or the null value. As a noun, it can refer to the concept of zero or the digit itself.

The Oxford English Dictionary, a highly authoritative source for the English language, provides insight into the usage of "zero" and its plural form. According to the Oxford Dictionaries site, the plural form of "zero" is "zeros." This is consistent with the general rule in English that the plural of a noun is typically formed by adding an "s" to the end of the word. However, the usage of "zero" as a noun can be a bit more nuanced.

When "zero" is used as a verb, as in the example provided, "watch as he zeroes his sights on the target," it is conjugated according to the standard rules of English verbs. In this case, the verb form of "zero" is used to describe the action of setting a value to zero or aligning something to a reference point.

It's important to note that language is dynamic and evolves over time. While "zeros" is the accepted plural form of "zero" in most contexts, there are instances where "zeroes" might be used, particularly in British English or in certain technical fields. However, "zeros" is more widely accepted and is the standard form recognized by most English language authorities.

In summary, the plural form of "zero" is "zeros," and this is the form you should use unless you have a specific reason to use "zeroes." It's always a good practice to consult a reputable dictionary or style guide if you're unsure about the correct usage.

read more >>

It's interesting to note that the Oxford English Dictionary's Oxford Dictionaries site's sole definition of zeroes is related to zero as a verb, e.g. "watch as he zeroes his sights on the target"; not as the plural of zero. It states that the plural of zero is zeros.Oct 8, 2010read more >>