Potatoes vs Potatos

Commonly Misspelled Words - Exercises and Quiz

This exercise focuses on commonly misspelled words

What Is the Correct Spelling: "Potatoes" or "Potatos"?

The correct spelling is "potatoes." The word "potatos" is incorrect and should not be used.

Why Is It "Potatoes" and Not "Potatos"?

In English, when a word ends in "o," you often add "es" to make it plural, especially when the word is a noun that refers to something tangible, like vegetables or fruits.

Here's the rule:

For most nouns ending in "o" after a consonant, you add "es" to make them plural.

➡️ Example: "tomato" becomes "tomatoes."

➡️ Example: "potato" becomes "potatoes."

This rule is why "potatoes" is the correct spelling.

Common Errors with "Potatoes"

One of the most common errors is spelling the plural form of "potato" as "potatos." This is a mistake because it does not follow the English spelling rule for nouns ending in "o."

❌ Incorrect: "I bought some potatos for dinner."

✔️ Correct: "I bought some potatoes for dinner."

Another mistake is assuming that all words ending in "o" follow the same rule. While many do, there are exceptions, so it's always good to double-check.

Everyday Use of "Potatoes"

"Potatoes" is a word you'll use often in everyday English, especially when talking about food. Here are some examples:

➡️ Cooking: "I'm going to bake some potatoes for dinner."

➡️ Shopping: "Can you buy a bag of potatoes at the store?"

➡️ Meals: "Mashed potatoes are my favorite side dish."

FAQ

How do you spell the plural of "potato"?

The plural of "potato" is spelled "potatoes."

Why isn’t it "potatos"?

The plural of "potato" follows the rule where you add "es" to words ending in "o" after a consonant.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Yes, some words like "photo" and "piano" just add "s" (e.g., "photos," "pianos"), but "potato" is not one of them.

Can I ever use "potatos"?

No, "potatos" is not correct in standard English. Always use "potatoes."

What are other words like "potato"?

Other words that follow the same rule include "tomato" (tomatoes), "hero" (heroes), and "echo" (echoes).

Similar misspelling cases include Suprise vs Surprise and Ninety vs Ninty. Make sure to have a look and get additional practice.