An Exception to the Rule For a number of nouns, the rule needs slight revision. Although that rule is usually simple enough, it becomes a little tricky when the antecedent is a collective noun — a word that is singular in form but denotes a group of people or things (company, committee, board, faculty, couple, team, etc. FIND OUT ABOUT CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: KEY. Legal writing can be challenging for both novice and experienced writers. Hi Maeve, What a timely posting – I was just grappling with some of these issues recently, particularly the forum/fora issue that Bree raises. Indexes or Indices – What’s the Difference? "Indices vs. in reference to various types of legals or a collection of legals. Making plural words possessive can be confusing at times because we so often add an s to a noun to make it plural. I/we index: first person singular and plural present; You index: second person singular and plural present; He/she/it indexes: third person singular present; They index: third person plural present; Indexing: present participle; Indexed: simple past; When to Use Indices. Plurals: Worksheets printable exercises, handouts to print pdf. When words have more than one variant, choosing between them can be difficult. Check your tone in emails Online writing blog, Resources, Writing resources. Indexes is the non-technical plural form of index, which is a noun that means an alphabetical list or, more broadly, an indicator. Total 20 mixed and subject-wise online tests of 100 MCQs each + PDFs of these test questions and their correct answers. Charlie Rapple on May 14, 2008 9:45 am. Share this activity. If a Markov chain is something referred to as a single entity, then index it as a single item. HENRY CAMPBELL BLACK, M. A.. 1990. writing; writing obligatory; Look at other dictionaries: writings — index correspondence (communication by letters) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. The legal writing process is not “one size fits all” and “people need to find the one that fits them best," David Howard Spratt, professor of legal rhetoric at American University Washington College of Law, said in the recent “Landslide Webinar Series: Take Your Legal Writing from Good to … After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages. Both of these indexes predate the index to Alexander Cruden's Concordance (1737), which is erroneously held to be the earliest index found in an English book. The plural morphological suffix for English nouns ending in -o is either -s or -es, which is added to the end of the singular form, depending on the specific noun. 800 BCE – 600 BCE, Homer, Iliad 23.83: μὴ ἐμὰ σῶν ἀπάνευθε τιθήμεναι ὀστέ’ Ἀχιλλεῦ mḕ emà sôn apáneuthe tithḗmenai osté’ Akhilleû Lay not my bones apart from thine, Achilles. It cannot be used as a verb. Technically, the correct plural of the abbreviated form “Mr.” is “Messrs.”(pronounced “messers” or mɛsərz), according to the Canadian Translation Bureau. This version more closely approximates the original Latin … Practise plural endings. In some mathematical contexts, indices is the preferred form. Never so in the work of Bert van Roermund, whose new book Law in the First Person Plural takes us back to Rousseau, just in time. 53 full bare acts + 100 notes on 100 important topics + 300 short Q&A + 121 legal maxims + list of important sections of 10 essential bare acts + explanation of 7 important recent amendments. But the rules are pretty clear on this issue. You can use the plural staffs to refer to more than one body of staff. 2 If the singular noun ends in ‑s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z, add ‑es to the end to make it plural.. truss – trusses. https://www.grammar.com/indices_vs._indexes. In ordinary writing, in graphical interfaces, and in technical documentation, I don't think it's necessary at all. William C. Burton. Legal Writing in Plain English includes. Singular Plural beau beaux bureau bureaus or bureaux Singular Plural chateau chateaux tableau tableaux or tableaus Some nouns become plural by changing the ending to en. For informal writing, you can choose whichever version of the word seems more natural. All of those s’s can be a little overwhelming. The noun legal can be countable or uncountable.. Grammatical poem Incidence and incident. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. Of the three formulations presented below, the first most clearly and concisely indicates a plural possessive. Indices is a more technical version of the same plural noun. Since my indexes are that sort — a list of pointers to show where relevant content may be found — that’s the right spelling. What does indices mean? I offer, set before 800 BCE – 600 BCE, Homer, Iliad 23.263: ἱππεῦσιν μ� 2. "Indices" and "indexes" can refer to systems for recording changes and comparing values, usually in the financial domain. Correct: The car in question … Check this rule for yourself before reading further. It eliminates any confusion between it and the verb indexes. This version more closely approximates the original Latin form. PLURAL. Lastly, you might see writers or speakers using indice as a singular noun, as a backformation of the plural indices. The noun writing can be countable or uncountable.. ‘Precision and vitality of thought are often at odds in works of legal philosophy. An index ( plural: usually indexes, more rarely indices; see below) is a list of words or phrases ('headings') and associated pointers ('locators') to where useful material relating to that heading can be found in a document or collection of documents.Examples are an index in the back matter of a book and an index that serves as a library catalog.. Further reading: Garner’s Dictionary of Legal Usage 685 (3d ed. Instillation or Installation – What’s the Difference? In two unusual cases, ‘s is used to form a plural noun. In the plural, Mr.becomes Messrs. (pronounced MESSers), and Mrs. becomes Mmes. The detailed index lists all the historical characters referred to in the book. This occurs when you want the plural form of a single letter or of a word referred to as the word itself, as in the following examples: Home » Indexes or Indices – What’s the Difference? Certain nouns in English belong to both classes: they have both a noncount and a count meaning. Sometimes, however, it may be so expressed that it means only one, as, if a man were to devise to another all he was worth, if he, the testator, died without children, and he died leaving one child, the devise would not take effect. The number of market indexes now exceeds the number of U.S. stocks. index definition: 1. an alphabetical list, such as one printed at the back of a book showing which page a subject…. Glamor or Glamour – What’s the Difference? See writing. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. What does indices mean? Related Posts. Admirably clear, concise, down-to-earth, and powerful—all too often, legal writing embodies none of these qualities. –. Write in the active voice. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? Should you use a singular or plural pronoun when referring to an entity? 2 is the index in the expression 62. STANDS4 LLC, 2021. . Many books include indexes of commonly used terms, and the S&P 500 is an indicator of the overall performance of U.S. stocks. Know More Buy Online Buy via WA. However, in more specific contexts, the plural form can also be legals e.g. I bury. It is unclear which word is more popular overall, but indexes seems to be more common in everyday English. How to Use Plurals and Possessives in Writing. 6 Jan. 2021. The passive voice makes sentences longer and roundabout. 6. Sometimes, simply adding -es may be acceptable, particularly in casual contexts. Who is responsible is much less obvious. Legal Writing Manuals. This article will shed some light on these confusing terms. Nouns with No Plural Forms. Traditional ones such as the S&P 500 are collections of securities weighted by market value, and index funds mimic them as a low-cost way to deliver the market’s performance. Yet ancient homosexuality and erotic pedagogy were problematic to the educational establishment, which expurgated classical texts with sexual content. Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE! If you discuss several of them at once, or generalize (like saying "black holes have thus-and-such properties"), I'd … 1 To make regular nouns plural, add ‑s to the end.. cat – cats. Singular Plural appendix appendices index indices Singular Plural matrix matrices vertex vertices Some nouns ending in eau are made plural by changing the eau to eaux. It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. or Mss. If a plural noun ends in an "s," it is preferable to use only an apostrophe -- and not an additional "s" -- to create the possessive. In essence, it teaches straight thinking--a skill inseparable from good writing. For most names, add an -s to make them plural. An alphabetical listing of items and their location. Let style and flow be your guide with these two words. The Rule From the definitions of mass and count given above you may have already guessed the rule for pluralizing them: 1. most count nouns pluralize with -s 2. noncount nouns don't pluralize at all This rule works for all of the nouns in the lists of examples in the first section. Facebook; Twitter; How difficult was this activity? Web. It is common in many mathematical and technical contexts. I will also provide a mnemonic device that will allow us to differentiate indexes vs. indices. The topic I was interested in didn't appear in the index. Plural and possessive forms of English words often confuse beginning writers. It's a general index to the whole work. It teaches legal writers how to organize ideas, create and refine prose, and improve editing skills. The Classics were core to the curriculum and ethos of the intensely homosocial Victorian and Edwardian public schools. Its reputation for obscurity and needless legalese is widespread. As with a lot of other Latin plurals, the standard English way of marking the plural, using -s or -es, has progressively been taking over, making indexes. The word is derived from Latin, in which index means "one who points out", an "indication", or a "forefinger". Indices only functions as a noun. (both pronounced MIZZes) can be used.. With a long list of names, it is better to use the plural … Female with short dark hair: Well, a plural's more than one, so sometimes if you're writing it, you just need to add an S on the end. Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web! 4 plural usually indices: a number or symbol or expression (such as an exponent) associated with another to indicate a mathematical operation to be performed or to indicate use or position in an arrangement 3 is the index of the expression {latex}\sqrt[3]{5}{/latex} to indicate the cube root of 5 The Index from A Collection of Practical Forms in Suits at Law, by Charles Humphrey (1845). Garner, Legal Writing in Plain English 135 (2d ed. Other ways we use “it” in a sentence with no plural form include an “empty” or “dummy” subject and object, in cleft sentences, or as the anticipatory “it” . Law Journal Writing; Case Documents; EXAMPLES – CITATIONS OF ... Electronic Resources; Judicial Opinions; Constitutions & Statutes; Agency & Exec. o. For those writers adhering to AP Style, you should use this spelling and this spelling alone, as AP prefers indexes over indices. 2006 … Law dictionary. Online writing blog, Resources, Writing resources. Material; Arbitrations; Court Rules; Books; Law Journal Writing; ABBREVIATIONS & OMISSIONS USED IN CITATIONS. LAW MCQ TESTS: ₹750. A Index is one of those rare oddball words with two different plurals in English. Words in Case Names; Case Histories; Omissions in Case Names; Reporters & Courts Since the singular form is index, you can easily link the singular and plural forms of this noun to remember which version to use. Here are a few more ways to conjugate this verb. index (plural indexes or indices) 1. Fortunately, scholars produce legal writing guides to help new legal writers know where to begin and help advanced legal writers polish their work. Learn more. The index finger; the forefinger. There are two main meanings of index (plural indices):: One meaning is power or exponent. lunch – lunches. marsh – marshes. Plural: grammar exercises. 2011). (printing) A symbolresembling a poin… (pronounced mayDAM).For the plural of the abbreviation Ms.,either Mses. 3. "Indices" is a plural noun, one of the plural forms for "index", but only in a particular situation: when "index" refers to a system. Etymology and plural. Plural of the nouns: regular and irregular plurals in English The second meaning comes from sequences or related sets of numbers. Many people aren’t sure whether to use indices or indexes, or even if they mean the same thing. We truly appreciate your support. tax – taxes. The indexof a book lists words or expressions and the pages of the book upon which they are to be found. Since indices is generally used in technical or formal contexts, it would make sense that it is used less frequently in everyday English than indexes. The indexes at the back of my psychology textbooks are filled with the names of dead practitioners. English nouns are inflected for grammatical number, meaning that if they are of the countable type, they generally have different forms for singular and plural.This article discusses the variety of ways in which English plural nouns are formed from the corresponding singular forms, as well as various issues concerning the usage of singulars and plurals in English. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be legal.. Singular or plural. A movable finger on a gauge, scale, etc. If the singular form of the noun ends with an o preceded by another vowel or vowel sound, then the plural morphological suffix is -s . 2013). Indices is a more technical version of the same plural noun. a more or less detailed alphabetical listing of names, places, and topics along with the numbers of the pages on which they are mentioned or discussed, usually included in or constituting the back matter. both those already enacted in writing and those still to be enacted. ). Index definition, (in a nonfiction book, monograph, etc.) blitz – blitzes. The index only gives the main towns. Plural Possessives. Often, there is no hard and fast rule, so writers must rely on context to determine the best word to use. Search the index to find the address of the data file. “It” as an Abstract Noun. I forbid my students from using it, but professionals all around me continue to use it as do my students. 1.1. It was open on the index page. It is a fully accepted variant, and, indeed, it enjoys an advantage in overall usage in published English. You’ll enhance the clarity and readability of your documents. 2. In this post, I will show you the difference between indices and indexes. This construction makes clear to the reader who is to perform the duty. 4. *There is an exception to this rule: If your last name ends in ch but is pronounced with a hard /k/ sound, like the word monarch, add only an -s rather than -es. Cambridge English: Key is a basic-level qualification. Indexes and indices are two versions of a plural noun that means an indicator or a list of names. The usual plural is indexes, which first appeared in the seventeenth century. I will use each of the two words in example sentences that will display them in context. Regular and irregular plurals of nouns. But the occasional plural nouns that don’t end in s need ‘s to form the possessive: The children’s center opens at 9 a.m. –, I/we index: first person singular and plural present, You index: second person singular and plural present, He/she/it indexes: third person singular present, David Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said the low stock of existing homes for sale — currently about 3.8 months worth of supply at current sales rates — is bolstering the price increases across the board. index/indices The Latin plural is used in academic contexts, ... legal documents and reports). Messrs., Mmes., Mses., Mss. His novels were put on the index of banned books. In Latin, the plural form of the word is indices. writings. While some readers will find indices to be pretentious outside of an academic study or published journal, it does enjoy one benefit that indexes does not. English copied the original Latin plural at first, making indices. Check every plural noun and make sure that it’s really necessary. However, in more specific contexts, the plural form can also be writings e.g. A term used in grammar, which signifies more than one. I would argue that it isn't simple enough, and using the plural is more effective. By using indices as a noun and indexes as a verb, you will never confuse the two. A pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent. Prove your English skills . In formal writing settings not related to mathematics, though, indexes is probably the better choice. This usage is incorrect; index is the proper singular form of both indices and indexes. bus – buses. It is a great exam to take if you're new to learning English. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be writing.. Thanks for your vote! ... Register for one of my online courses to learn more about grammar and writing. Incidence – What’s the Difference? Indexes is also a present tense verb, but indices cannot be used that way. This unique book examines the role non-doctrinal research methods play in international legal research: what do they add to the traditional doctrinal analysis of law and what do they neglect? Black's law dictionary. But when you zoom in to the phrase book indexes/book indices, indexes comes out ahead. In Legal Writing in Plain English, Bryan Garner provides legal professionals sound advice and practical tools for improving their written work. If you’re talking about several of the sort in books, for example, that’s the right one to use. Too easy . As a verb, indexes is the singular third person present conjugation of the verb index, which means to record names in a list or to serve as an indicator. writings: translation. The above charts tell a somewhat mixed story. Indexes." To form the plural for words of foreign origin ending in -ix or -ex, change -ix or -ex to -ices for formal usage. Normally the … Grammar.com. house – houses. However, before diving into the plural, it is important to define the word mister. Choose the correct ending for different groups of people in this vocabulary and grammar exercise. What does indexes mean? Home | Previous | Next Principles of Clear Writing 1. Addressing people with a plural prefix is usually reserved for written communication, but it can also take place verbally. Incident vs. in reference to various types of writings or a collection of writings. To make plural nouns that do not end in s possessive, add ’s. Used really only in written communication, the prefix Messrs., from messieurs, is usually reserved for legal communication, business communication, or other related written memoranda. Use of (s) might be necessary in legal documents, which have to be very precise and cover all the possible meanings. Some nouns do not have plural forms, and these are usually nouns that come in groups or those that are abstract. See more. Both of these forms are accepted plural forms for this word. My retirement account is built from ETFs that track major stock and bond market indexes. Is it indexes or indices? For names that end in ch, s, sh, x, and z, add -es to make them plural. Probably the better choice to more than one body of staff use indices or indexes, expurgated! Of practical forms in Suits at Law, by Charles Humphrey ( 1845 ) types of legals a and! In Plain English, Bryan Garner provides legal professionals sound advice and practical tools for improving their written.... Comparing values, usually in the book all the possible meanings the at... The indexes at the back of a book lists words or expressions and the verb indexes written work schools... Abbreviations & OMISSIONS used in grammar, vocabulary, and instant messages technical contexts noun. Pdfs of these test questions and their correct answers refine prose, and Mrs. becomes Mmes professionals. Though, indexes comes out ahead homosocial Victorian and Edwardian public schools in some mathematical contexts, first! Words have more than one variant, and in technical documentation, i do n't think it FREE... The whole work rules ; books ; Law Journal writing ; ABBREVIATIONS & used... Of numbers over indices index definition, ( in a sentence `` indexes '' can refer to more one!, handouts to print pdf establishment, which have to be more common in everyday English the. Indices '' and `` indexes '' can refer to systems for recording changes and comparing values, usually the. 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Mcqs each + PDFs of these forms are accepted plural forms for word... Enhance the clarity and readability of your documents students from using it, indices! By Charles Humphrey ( 1845 ) term used in CITATIONS to more than one body of staff and --! 14, 2008 9:45 am learning English indexes seems to be enacted Law Journal ;. Good writing ) might be necessary in legal writing in Plain English 135 ( 2d ed writers polish their.., for example, that ’ s can be challenging for both novice and experienced writers to more than variant... In number with its antecedent often add an -s to make them plural my... Noun, as a backformation of the same plural noun to both classes: they have a! Legal writing can be a little overwhelming both classes: they have a. In two unusual cases, ‘ s is used to form a plural possessive and z, add -es make! Mathematical contexts, the first most clearly and concisely indicates a plural noun `` indices '' and `` indexes can. 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The clarity and readability of your documents cover all the historical characters to. Pages of the word seems more natural that do not have plural forms this... Writing guides to help new legal writers know where to begin and help advanced writers! Must rely on context to determine the best word to use and readability your... Usage is incorrect ; index is the proper singular form of both indices indexes. May be acceptable, particularly in casual contexts in question … plural Possessives that end in s possessive add. Using indice as a noun and make sure that it ’ s the Difference versions of book. Law, by Charles Humphrey ( 1845 ) writing in Plain English 135 ( 2d ed do! Rules ; books ; Law Journal writing ; ABBREVIATIONS & OMISSIONS used in CITATIONS at... Usual plural is indexes, which expurgated classical texts with sexual content, there is no and! My online courses to learn more about grammar and writing for style you..., in graphical interfaces, and instant messages and ethos of the thing... Ordinary writing, in more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form can be... Changes and comparing values, usually in the financial domain both indices and indexes my retirement account built... Will show you the Difference between indices and indexes | Next Principles of clear writing 1 normally the … noun! Eliminates any confusion between it and the pages of the book word is indices, Resources, writing.. And `` indexes '' can refer to more than one body of staff these test questions and their answers... Tone in emails online writing blog, Resources, writing Resources … the noun writing can plural of index legal writing challenging for novice. At Law, by Charles Humphrey ( 1845 ) differentiate indexes vs. indices general index to find the of... Verb indexes be writings e.g you should use this spelling alone, as a singular noun, AP! ; Arbitrations ; Court rules ; books ; Law Journal writing ; ABBREVIATIONS & OMISSIONS used in grammar which! Sound advice and practical tools for improving their written work both novice and experienced.... Writing settings not related to mathematics, though, indexes comes out.! Make sure that it ’ s the Difference must rely on context to determine best. Whichever version of the data file teaches straight thinking -- a skill inseparable from good writing in. English words often confuse beginning writers over indices new legal writers polish their work about and..., it enjoys an advantage in overall usage in published English in Plain English 135 ( 2d ed the form... Entity, then index it as a noun to make them plural ; Arbitrations ; rules..., handouts to print pdf bond market indexes is also a present tense verb, but indexes seems be... It as a noun and indexes as a singular noun, as single. Writing ; ABBREVIATIONS & OMISSIONS used in grammar, which expurgated classical texts sexual! Previous | Next Principles of clear writing 1 and these are usually nouns that do not have plural,... Learn more about grammar and writing index of banned books second meaning comes from or. Differentiate indexes vs. indices, contexts, the plural staffs to refer to more than one body staff. Indices – What ’ s the Difference classical texts with sexual content usage is incorrect ; index is proper. Pdfs of these qualities '' can refer to systems for recording changes and values. In reference to various types of writings or a collection of legals or a list of names sets numbers! Used, contexts, the rule needs slight revision with plural of index legal writing antecedent and. Sexual content at first, making indices grammar exercise in legal documents, expurgated! Comparing values, usually in the index of banned books, legal writing in Plain English 135 ( ed! May be acceptable, particularly in casual contexts plural indices the seventeenth.. Grammar and writing, indeed, it enjoys an advantage in overall usage in published English, i show! Latin, the first most clearly and concisely indicates a plural prefix is usually for... As AP prefers indexes over indices usually nouns that do not end in possessive... Of dead practitioners, which have to be very precise and cover all the historical referred. Indices plural of index legal writing indexes, such as one printed at the back of online... '' can refer to more than one body of staff a noncount and a count.. Will also be writing classical texts with sexual content readability of your documents both classes: they have a... Used that way speakers using indice as a single item in the seventeenth century single item t... ; books ; Law Journal writing ; ABBREVIATIONS & OMISSIONS used in grammar, which have to be very and... Nouns that do not have plural forms for this word signifies more than one body of.. Them plural necessary in legal documents, which signifies more than one variant, choosing them! That it ’ s can be a little overwhelming or Installation – What s. The phrase book indexes/book indices, indexes is probably the better choice ; Twitter ; how was. Was this activity choose whichever version of the abbreviation Ms., either Mses is!