Why is pliers plural

The tendency toward plural forms for clothing that provides separate enclosures for the two legs is strong: shorts, jeans, bloomers, tights, leggings, trousers, chaps , etc. The tendency for new such words to be coined with plurality is also strong: bell bottoms, skinnies, capris.

In addition to panties , we have drawers, boxers, briefs, and tighty whities. Interestingly, thong is singular perhaps because leg enclosure has little to do with it? Pluralia tantum are often objects that involve some kind of connected pairing of two identical things, but they can also be terms for large collections of dissimilar things.

Clothes , for example, can be shirts, pants, skirts, jackets, or underwear we never say clothe to mean a singular item of clothing. Similarly, manners can be ways of talking, eating, or greeting. There are a number of pluralia tantum that refer to possession or ownership. In addition to riches , there are furnishings, belongings, earnings, and valuables.

There are also a few pluralia tantum having to do with mood or feelings. You can have the blues or be in the doldrums , but not have a blue or be in a doldrum. Likewise, jitters, willies , and heebie-jeebies always come in groups. Words for activities that might be individually very different in their specifics but similar in some general aspect will sometimes be pluralia tantum.

You may indulge in shenanigans , heroics , or hysterics , or sometimes all three. They may be remains , ruins , or leftovers. Sign up now or Log in. Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Follow us. Choose a dictionary. Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English.

Grammar Thesaurus. Word Lists. Choose your language. Essential British English. Plural noun. Save Word. Definition of pliers. Examples of pliers in a Sentence Recent Examples on the Web So during a game, when Remy lost a tooth in the booth, Orsillo procured a pair of pliers and went to work. First Known Use of pliers , in the meaning defined above. History and Etymology for pliers ply entry 2. Buying Guide Our team at The Usage has selected the best pocket knife of Learn More About pliers.

Time Traveler for pliers The first known use of pliers was in See more words from the same year. Style: MLA. English Language Learners Definition of pliers. Kids Definition of pliers. Get Word of the Day daily email!