Hello there! As an expert in the English language, I'm here to help clarify the nuances of grammar and usage. When it comes to the word "foot" and its plural forms, it's a fascinating subject that delves into the historical evolution of the English language and its unique rules.

Firstly, it's important to understand that "foot" is a noun that can refer to several things. It's the terminal part of the leg below the ankle, used for standing and walking in humans and quite a few animals. It's also a unit of length in the imperial and US customary systems of measurement, equivalent to 12 inches or 0.3048 meters.

Now, when we talk about the plural form of "foot" as a unit of measurement, the situation can get a bit tricky due to historical linguistic influences. In general English, when forming the plural of nouns, we typically add an "s" at the end of the word. However, with "foot," there's an exception that is deeply rooted in the language's history.

Usage notes: The ordinary plural of the unit of measurement is feet, but in many contexts, foot itself may be used ("he is six foot two"). This is a reflex of the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) genitive plural. It is sometimes abbreviated, such as in tables, lists, or drawings.

Let's break this down:


1. Plural Form in Measurement: When "foot" is used as a unit of length, the standard plural form is "feet." For example, when measuring the height of a room or the length of a piece of furniture, you would say "the room is ten feet high."

2. **Use of "Foot" in Certain Contexts**: Interestingly, in some contexts, especially when referring to a person's height, "foot" is used even in the plural sense. This is seen in phrases like "a six-foot man," which means a man who is six feet tall. This usage is a throwback to the Old English genitive plural form, which has been retained in certain idiomatic expressions.


3. Abbreviations: In formal and informal contexts, especially when space is limited such as in tables, lists, or drawings, you might see the abbreviation of "feet" as a single quote mark ('), following the numeral. For instance, "6'2"" to denote six feet two inches in height.

It's also worth noting that this peculiarity with "foot" is not universal in all English-speaking regions. In more formal or technical contexts, or in regions outside of the United States and the United Kingdom, you might find that "feet" is used more consistently, even when referring to a person's height.

In conclusion, while "feet" is the standard plural form of "foot," the use of "foot" in certain expressions, particularly regarding height, is a fascinating remnant of the language's past and a testament to the quirks and exceptions that make the English language so rich and complex.

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Usage notes. (unit of length def.): The ordinary plural of the unit of measurement is feet, but in many contexts, foot itself may be used ("he is six foot two"). This is a reflex of the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) genitive plural. It is sometimes abbreviated ', such as in tables, lists or drawings.read more >>