Buffaloes or Buffalos? (The choice will be all yours after digesting this masterpiece.) I’m aware of the confusion when it comes to using the plural form of this Majestic beast.
But not to worry, this article will help clear the dust from your table. Firstly, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room (or rather, the buffalo in the herd).
Both “buffaloes” and “buffalos” are considered to be grammatically correct plurals. This might seem like a recipe for chaos, but there’s a certain logic to help you understand it.
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Contents
Think of it like dual Citizenship.
- Buffalos is the OG, the original form, perfectly acceptable in most situations. ( I’ll give you some instances)
- Buffaloes on the other hand, is the flashy newcomer of the plurals, adding a touch of precision. (I’ll also give you instances).
Here’s the breakdown.
Use “buffalos” when:
- You’re going for a casual, conversational tone.
Think chatting with your friends about that documentary you watched, or reminiscing about your childhood trip to the zoo. “Buffalos” is your laid-back buddy, the one you can kick back and share a beer with or, you know, a glass of milk.
- You’re writing in a creative context.
Poems, songs, even that haiku you just whipped up about a buffalo snoozing under a baobab tree – “buffalos” can add a touch of rhythm and flow.
- You want to sound a bit folksy.
“Buffalos” has a certain down-to-earth charm, like a pair of worn boots and a well-told campfire story.
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Use “buffaloes” when:
- You want to be explicit and clear.
Adding that “-es” leaves no room for doubt. You’re like that very serious tutor ensuring everyone knows there’s more than one buffalo stampeding through the sentence.
- You’re writing in a formal context.
Academic papers, legal documents, and that epic fantasy novel you’re secretly working on – these are all places where “buffaloes” shines.
- You want to emphasize plurality.
Maybe you’re describing a scene of hundreds of buffaloes thunderous across the savanna.
That extra “-es” adds a touch of weight and grandeur. Ultimately, the choice is yours, my friend. Both “buffaloes” and “buffalos” are grammatically correct, and each has its own unique flavor.
And remember, the most important thing is to be clear and consistent. If you choose “buffaloes,” stick with it throughout your writing.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix and match! Just be sure to avoid the dreaded “buffaloes buffalo buffaloes” sentence, lest you get lost in a grammatical stampede.
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Final Thoughts
Like I hinted above, I can comfortably leave it in your hands to choose which plural form to use ( Buffalos or Buffaloes). And that’s because I’ve walked you through the concepts and usages of the plural forms. Whichever you choose, the goal is just to clearly communicate and stay consistent throughout your writing.