Meaning & use
plural genius
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
The plural forms of the noun 'genius', which are 'geniuses' and, in older or more formal writing, 'genii'.
Grammar: Use 'geniuses' in everyday English: two geniuses. 'Genii' is rare and also means spirits in old stories.
Patterns
- the plural of genius is geniuses
- several geniuses
The plural of 'genius' is usually 'geniuses', as in 'The lab has three geniuses.'
In older books you may still find 'genii' used as the plural of 'genius'.
Most dictionaries now list 'geniuses' first and mark 'genii' as rare.
phrasefixed phrase
The question of how to form the plural of the word 'genius' correctly in a sentence.
Grammar: Often used when talking about grammar rules: what is the plural genius?
Patterns
- what is the plural of genius?
- the plural of genius
My teacher asked the class what the plural of genius is.
If you are unsure about the plural genius, just write 'geniuses'.
Common combinations
- the plural of genius
- The plural of genius is 'geniuses' in modern English.
- form the plural
- To form the plural of most nouns ending in -s, add -es.
- regular plural
- 'Geniuses' is the regular plural, while 'genii' is irregular.
- irregular plural
- 'Genii' is an irregular plural that sounds old-fashioned today.
Word family
Commonly confused: plural genius or geniuses? plural genius or genie?
plural genius vs geniuses
This is the normal plural form; 'genii' is an alternative plural of the same word, not a different word.
plural genius vs genie
A genie is a magical spirit in stories; its plural is 'genies', which is different from the plural of 'genius'.
Practice
Which sentence uses the plural of 'genius' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Geniuses' is the standard plural of 'genius'. Option 1 leaves the noun singular, option 2 uses the wrong word 'genie', and option 3 mixes 'genii' with its other meaning of spirits.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “plural genius”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.