In the English language, forming the plural of a word can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to nouns that have irregular plural forms. “Police,” for instance, is one of those words that doesn’t follow the typical pluralization rules. Let’s delve into how the plural form of “police” is used and some common variations you might encounter.
The Standard Plural Form
The standard plural form of “police” is “police officers.” This is the most common and widely accepted way to refer to more than one police officer. For example:
- “There are two police officers at the scene of the crime.”
- “The police officers were called to the neighborhood to handle the disturbance.”
When using this plural form, the word “officers” is added to “police,” which is an adjective that describes the individuals who make up the police force.
Alternative Plural Forms
While “police officers” is the most common plural form, there are a couple of other ways to express the plural that are less common but still used in certain contexts.
1. Policemen and Policewomen
In the past, “policemen” was used to refer to male police officers, and “policewomen” for female police officers. However, this form is now considered outdated and offensive by many due to its gender-specific nature. It’s important to note that using these terms can imply that the police force is predominantly male or female, which is not reflective of most modern police departments.
2. Policemen
The term “policemen” is still used, but more as a collective noun rather than a gender-specific one. It’s less common in formal writing and speech, but you might still hear it in certain contexts:
- “The policemen were unable to find any leads in the investigation.”
- “The policeman who responded to the call was very helpful.”
3. The Police
In some cases, “the police” is used as a plural noun, which can refer to either male or female officers collectively. This form is less specific about the number of officers and can be more inclusive:
- “The police arrived on the scene within minutes.”
- “The police have been working tirelessly to solve the mystery.”
Tips for Using the Plural Form of “Police”
- Avoid using “policemen” and “policewomen” to refer to individual police officers, as it can be considered offensive.
- Use “police officers” for the most inclusive and gender-neutral term.
- “The police” can be used as a collective noun for a group of officers, but it’s less specific about the number of officers involved.
By understanding these different ways to express the plural of “police,” you can communicate effectively and respectfully in a wide range of situations.