When discussing technology, we often refer to terms like “hardware” and “software.” However, there’s ongoing confusion around the word “software” and whether it has a plural form. Is it “software,” or can we say “softwares”?
In this in-depth blog post, we will clarify this once and for all, providing detailed explanations, examples, and alternatives that will clear up any doubt you may have.
We’ll also explore other nouns similar to “software” and their plurals, origins of the word, and how to use it correctly in different contexts.
By the end of this article, you’ll fully understand the correct plural usage of “software,” and you’ll never second-guess whether to use “software” or “softwares” again.
What Does the Word “Software” Mean?
The word software refers to the programs and other operating information used by a computer. It’s a mass noun, which means it represents an uncountable entity. Mass nouns are singular by default, even when referring to multiple instances of the item. For example, you can have one piece of software or a thousand, and the word remains “software.”
It’s essential to understand that while we might refer to individual programs within this category, the collective noun remains “software.” This uncountable nature is where confusion arises regarding its plural form.
Example:
- Correct: “This software helps manage my files.”
- Incorrect: “These softwares help manage my files.”
The key thing to remember is that software refers to a collective whole, much like water, air, or information.
The Plural of “Software”: Software or Softwares?
Many people wonder if software has a plural form. Is the correct term “software” or “softwares”? Let’s dive into the grammar to break this down.
Is software plural? No, the word “software” doesn’t change in plural form. Software is treated as a mass noun, like furniture or information, which do not take an “s” at the end. This means the plural of “software” is still software.
Why “Softwares” is Incorrect
There is no accepted plural form such as softwares in the English language. It’s tempting to think of “software” the same way we treat countable nouns like book or car, but that’s not how software functions grammatically.
Here’s why:
- Software is inherently uncountable. It represents a collective group of programs or code.
- We do not pluralize mass nouns in standard English. Adding an “s” would violate basic grammatical rules.
Is softwares a word? No, it’s not a standard word in English, and you won’t find it used in reputable dictionaries or formal writing.
Mass Noun Rules
Mass nouns, including software, don’t have plural forms. Instead, you can use quantifiers like pieces of or types of when referring to multiple instances. Here’s a comparison:
| Mass Noun | Singular Form | Plural Form (Incorrect) | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Furniture | Furnitures | “Two pieces of furniture” |
| Information | Information | Informations | “Several pieces of information” |
| Software | Software | Softwares | “Various types of software” |
Nouns Similar to “Software” and Their Plurals
Software is part of a category of nouns known as uncountable or mass nouns. These are nouns that refer to something that cannot easily be counted because they represent a bulk or collection. Other examples include furniture, data, information, equipment, music, and luggage.
Each of these words, like “software,” remains the same in both singular and plural contexts.
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Common Mass Nouns and Correct Usage:
- Data: Even though “data” technically has a plural form, in modern English, it’s mostly treated as uncountable (though some fields, like science, still use “data” as a plural of “datum”).
- Correct: “The data is crucial.”
- Incorrect: “The datas are crucial.”
- Furniture: Refers to collective items of furniture.
- Correct: “We bought new furniture.”
- Incorrect: “We bought new furnitures.”
Like software, these mass nouns function without a plural form, and it’s important to learn how to quantify them using terms like pieces, types, or items.
The Origins of the Word “Software”
The term software was first coined in the 1950s, during the dawn of the computer age. Before the concept of software existed, computer systems were programmed via hardware manipulations. The term was meant to describe the “soft” instructions and programs that ran on the physical “hardware.”
Etymology of “Software”
The word itself is a combination of soft (implying something non-physical or intangible) and ware (meaning manufactured goods). It was initially used to differentiate programs from hardware components, which were the physical parts of the computer.
As the field of computing expanded, so did the application of the term. Today, “software” encompasses everything from simple apps to complex operating systems.
Can Someone Use “Softwares” as the Plural of “Software”?
Is softwares a word? Technically, no. “Softwares” does not appear in reputable dictionaries, nor is it considered correct English. However, non-native English speakers and informal communication may sometimes include softwares as a plural.
Non-Standard Usage
While incorrect in formal writing, you may come across “softwares” in some regional dialects or in casual, non-professional language. This happens because speakers apply regular plural rules (adding “s”) to a word that doesn’t follow those rules.
However, in professional, technical, or academic writing, softwares is unacceptable and should be avoided.
Correct Alternatives to “Softwares”
If you need to refer to multiple programs or software systems, consider the following alternatives:
- Software products
- Types of software
- Pieces of software
- Software solutions
These phrases accurately convey the plurality without breaking grammatical rules.
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Examples in Context: Singular vs. Plural Usage
To clarify the proper usage of software as both singular and plural, let’s look at examples in context.
Singular Usage of “Software”
- “The new software you installed is running smoothly.”
- “This software requires an update to function properly.”
- “I purchased this software to help with my graphic design projects.”
In each of these sentences, software is used in its singular form, referring to one collective program or application.
Plural Usage: Alternatives to “Softwares”
Rather than incorrectly saying softwares, use one of the alternatives mentioned earlier.
- “The company offers a wide range of software solutions.”
- “These types of software are essential for our business.”
- “We evaluated several software products before making a decision.”
These examples showcase the correct way to express plural ideas without using the incorrect term softwares.
Singular Usage (“Software”)
Understanding how to use software as a singular noun is straightforward. It refers to a single or multiple programs but is grammatically treated as a singular entity.
Example:
- Correct: “This software needs to be updated.”
- Incorrect: “This softwares need to be updated.”
Even if you’re referring to multiple programs, software remains singular.
Plural Usage (Alternatives for “Softwares”)
Instead of saying “softwares,” use phrases like:
- “Types of software”
- “Software products”
- “Software packages”
- “Pieces of software”
Each alternative correctly expresses the plural idea without introducing an error. Below is a quick guide for plural usage alternatives:
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| Softwares | Types of software |
| Softwares | Software solutions |
| Softwares | Pieces of software |
The Wrap-Up: No Need for “Softwares”
In conclusion, you never need to use softwares as a plural. Software remains the correct form in both singular and plural contexts. Use quantifiers like types of software or software products when necessary, and you’ll maintain grammatical accuracy.
Key Takeaways:
- Software is a mass noun, much like information or furniture.
- The plural of software is software.
- Softwares is not a recognized word in English.
- When referring to multiple instances, use alternatives like software solutions or types of software.
By understanding these guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your writing remains professional and clear.
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Sources
- Cambridge Dictionary
- Oxford English Dictionary
John David is an experienced blogger at Grammar Blend, passionate about language and communication. With a keen eye for grammar and clarity, he shares practical tips and tools to help readers improve their writing skills. His insightful articles make grammar accessible and engaging for learners of all levels.
