“Gasses” vs. “Gases” – Understanding the Correct Plural Form

The English language is full of words that can be tricky when it comes to their plural forms.

“Gasses” and “gases” are often a source of confusion, but they have distinct usages.

Quick Summary

The correct plural form of the noun “gas” is “gases.” However, “gasses” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “to gas.” Understanding the context in which to use each word is crucial.

“Gasses” vs. “Gases” – Which is Correct?

Both “gasses” and “gases” are correct, but they serve different grammatical functions:

Word	When to Use	Example
Gasses	As a verb, when something emits gas or refers to the act of gassing	The car’s engine gasses pollutants into the atmosphere.
Gases	As a noun, referring to the plural form of gas	The laboratory experiment involved several different gases.

How to Use “Gasses”

The word “gasses” is the third-person singular present tense of the verb “to gas.” It is used when something is emitting gas or when someone is subjected to gas. Here’s how to use it:

• Emitting gas:
  “The factory gasses harmful chemicals into the air, which is a major environmental concern.”
• Subjecting to gas:
  “The exterminator gasses the house to eliminate the termite infestation.”

How to Use “Gases”

“Gases” is the plural form of the noun “gas” and refers to substances in a state of matter that have no fixed shape and are not solid or liquid. Here are examples:

• Referring to multiple types of gas:
  “Noble gases, like helium and neon, are inert and do not react easily with other elements.”
• Describing a mixture of substances in the gaseous state:
  “The planet’s atmosphere is composed of several gases, including nitrogen and oxygen.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct form to complete the sentences:

1. The scientist observed how the mixture of _ (gasses/gases) reacted under high pressure.
2. Every winter, the heating system _ (gasses/gases) the home to keep it warm.
3. In the photosynthesis process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and other _ (gasses/gases).
4. The new regulations ensure that the factory no longer _ (gasses/gases) the environment with toxins.
5. Divers must be careful when ascending to prevent the formation of dangerous _ (gasses/gases) in their bloodstream.

Answer Key:

1. gases
2. gasses
3. gases
4. gasses
5. gases

Conclusion

Recognizing the difference between “gasses” and “gases” is essential for proper English usage.

“Gases” is the plural noun describing more than one type of gas, while “gasses” is a verb form used when a subject is emitting gas.