The plurality conundrum: is candy corn ever candy corns?
What To Know
- Since candy corn is typically sold in bags or containers as a group, it can be considered a collective noun.
- If you prefer to consider candy corn as a collective noun, then it would be grammatically correct to use “candy corn.
- Some people argue that candy corn is a collective noun, while others view it as a plural noun.
The world of candy is filled with sweet and savory delights, but one treat that always sparks a debate is candy corn. While some insist it’s simply “candy corn,” others argue that it should be pluralized as “candy corns.” So, what’s the truth? Can candy corn be plural?
Etymology and Usage
The term “candy corn” originated in the late 1800s. It’s believed to have been coined by George Renninger, a candy maker from Philadelphia. The name refers to the candy’s resemblance to the shape of corn kernels.
Traditionally, candy corn is produced in three colors: yellow, orange, and white. These colors represent the fall harvest season, with yellow representing corn, orange representing pumpkins, and white representing snow.
Grammatical Considerations
When it comes to grammar, the plural form of a noun is typically created by adding “-s” or “-es” to the end of the word. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, some words that end in “-s” or “-es” are singular, such as “scissors” and “glasses.”
The Case for “Candy Corn”
Those who believe that candy corn should not be pluralized argue that it is a collective noun. Collective nouns refer to a group of things considered as a single unit. Examples of collective nouns include “team,” “family,” and “herd.”
Since candy corn is typically sold in bags or containers as a group, it can be considered a collective noun. Therefore, it would not be grammatically correct to pluralize it as “candy corns.”
The Case for “Candy Corns”
On the other hand, there are those who argue that candy corn should be pluralized because it refers to multiple pieces of candy. They point out that each individual piece of candy corn is a distinct entity, and therefore should be considered plural.
In addition, some dictionaries list “candy corns” as an acceptable plural form of the word. For example, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “candy corn” as “a small, cone-shaped candy made of sugar, corn syrup, and water, usually colored yellow, orange, and white.” The definition also includes the plural form “candy corns.”
Regional Differences
The debate over whether candy corn can be pluralized may also have regional variations. In some parts of the United States, it is more common to hear “candy corns,” while in other areas, “candy corn” is the preferred usage.
The Sweet Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pluralize candy corn is a matter of personal preference. There is no definitive grammatical rule that dictates one form as being correct over the other.
If you prefer to consider candy corn as a collective noun, then it would be grammatically correct to use “candy corn.” However, if you view each individual piece of candy as a distinct entity, then it would be acceptable to pluralize it as “candy corns.”
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the traditional shape of candy corn?
A: Candy corn is typically produced in a cone-shaped form, resembling corn kernels.
Q: What are the three colors of candy corn?
A: Candy corn is traditionally made in three colors: yellow, orange, and white.
Q: Is candy corn a collective noun?
A: Some people argue that candy corn is a collective noun, while others view it as a plural noun.
Q: Is it grammatically correct to say “candy corns“?
A: Yes, it is acceptable to pluralize candy corn as “candy corns.” Some dictionaries list it as an acceptable plural form.
Q: Is there a regional difference in the pluralization of candy corn?
A: Yes, there may be regional variations in the usage of “candy corn” and “candy corns.
