mantises
The plural of "mantis" is mantises.
Nouns that end in s, x, z, ch or sh add -es to make the plural, so mantis becomes mantises.
Meaning: an insect with long front legs that it holds together as if praying (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use a plural verb with mantises: the mantises are. The possessive plural adds only an apostrophe: mantises'.
How do you pronounce it?
mantis is pronounced /ˈmæntɪs/. The plural ending sounds like /ɪz/, so the plural has one more syllable than the singular.
What mistakes should you avoid?
mantes is a rare Latin plural. mantises is the usual English form.
Did you know?
- The -es ending comes from the Old English plural ending -as, which became the standard plural in Middle English.
Examples in context
- Praying mantises eat other insects.Singular: A praying mantis eats other insects.
- We found two mantises in the garden.Singular: We found a mantis in the garden.
