04-12-2025, 05:44 AM
what are some words people pluralize for no reason to sound smart
Here are some of the most common words that people (especially in corporate, academic, or pseudo-intellectual settings) randomly slap an “-s” on to sound more sophisticated, even though the singular is already correct or more natural:
Here are some of the most common words that people (especially in corporate, academic, or pseudo-intellectual settings) randomly slap an “-s” on to sound more sophisticated, even though the singular is already correct or more natural:
- Evidence → “evidences” Correct: “The evidence shows…” Pretentious: “The evidences clearly indicate…”
- Research → “researches” Correct: “More research is needed.” Pretentious: “We conducted several researches…”
- Feedback → “feedbacks” Correct: “I’d like some feedback.” Pretentious: “Please send me your feedbacks.”
- Staff (when meaning personnel) → “staffs” Correct: “The staff is overworked.” Pretentious: “We have multiple staffs across departments.”
- Fruit (when talking about types/kinds in general) → “fruits” Correct: “Fruit and vegetables” Pretentious: “Exotic fruits such as mango, papaya, and dragonfruit…”
- Legislation → “legislations” Correct: “New legislation was passed.” Pretentious: “Several new legislations are in the pipeline.”
- Machinery → “machineries” Correct: “The machinery needs maintenance.” Pretentious: “We upgraded our machineries.”
- Information → “informations” Correct: “Here’s the information you requested.” Pretentious: “I have several informations for you.”
- Offspring → “offsprings” Correct: “Humans typically have one offspring at a time.” Pretentious: “They have three offsprings.”
- Baggage / Luggage → “baggages” / “luggages” Correct: “My baggage was lost.” Pretentious: “Passengers with excess baggages will be charged.”
- “Ask” → “asks” (“One of my main asks is…”)
- “Deliverable” → “deliverables” (even when there’s only one)
- “Learn” → “learns” (“Key learns from this project…”)
- “Output” → “outputs” (fine when plural, but people use it even for one thing)


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