Hello there! As an expert in the field of linguistics and language studies, I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the plural forms of words in English, specifically focusing on the word "man."
The English language, with its rich history and evolving nature, has a set of rules for forming plurals. However, it's important to note that there are exceptions to these rules, and the plural of "man" is one such exception. Let's delve into the details.
In general, English plurals are formed by adding an "s" to the end of the word. This is the most common method and applies to the vast majority of nouns. For instance, "cat" becomes "cats," "dog" becomes "dogs," and so on. However, there are specific rules and exceptions that apply to certain words, which can make the formation of plurals a bit more complex.
One such exception is the word "man." The plural form of "man" is "men." This is an irregular plural, which means it does not follow the standard rule of simply adding an "s" to the end of the word. Irregular plurals are formed through various methods, including changing the vowel sound, doubling the final consonant, or adding a different suffix altogether.
The reason for this irregularity can often be traced back to the historical development of the language. English has borrowed words from many other languages, including Latin, French, and Germanic languages, and the plural forms of these borrowed words often retain their original plural endings. In the case of "man," the irregular plural "men" can be traced back to Old English, where the word "mann" (meaning "person" or "human being") had the plural form "menn."
It's also worth noting that the formation of plurals can sometimes be influenced by the meaning of the word. For example, "child" becomes "children," which is an irregular plural that has been influenced by the historical development of the language and the specific meaning of the word. Similarly, "tooth" becomes "teeth," which is another example of an irregular plural.
Now, let's look at the provided reference content. The table lists several singular and plural forms of words:

- Singular: woman, Plural: women
- Singular: man, Plural: men
- Singular: child, Plural: children
- Singular: tooth, Plural: teeth

This table correctly identifies "men" as the plural form of "man." It also highlights other examples of irregular plurals, such as "women," "children," and "teeth." These examples serve to illustrate the complexity and variety of English pluralization rules.
In conclusion, the plural of "man" is "men," which is an irregular plural form that does not follow the standard rule of adding an "s" to the end of the word. Understanding the formation of plurals in English requires an awareness of both the general rules and the exceptions to those rules. The irregular plurals, such as "men," are a testament to the rich linguistic history of the English language and the various influences that have shaped it over time.

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ExamplesSingularPluralwomanwomenmanmenchildchildrentoothteeth26 more rowsread more >>