No’s vs. Nos – Which is Correct?
The correct plural form to refer to multiple instances of the word “no” or negative responses is no’s. The spelling “nos” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. The apostrophe signifies that you are pluralizing a word used as a noun.
No’s or Nos – Which is Correct?
When you need to express the plural of the word “no,” particularly when referring to multiple negative responses, rejections, or instances where the word “no” itself is used, the correct form is “no’s.” The spelling “nos” is a prevalent error, often arising from the phonetic similarity to regular plurals formed by adding an ‘s’ (e.g., “cats,” “dogs”). However, for individual words, letters, or numbers used as nouns, the apostrophe-s (‘s) convention is typically applied to form the plural.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| no’s | Plural Noun | Multiple negative responses, rejections, or instances of the word “no” | The proposal received more no’s than yeses. |
| nos | Incorrect | A common misspelling of the plural of “no” | Please avoid using “nos” when referring to plural negatives. |
How to Use No’s
The term “no’s” is primarily used as a plural noun to refer to multiple instances of the word “no,” or more broadly, multiple negative votes, responses, or rejections. It is essential for clarity, especially when discussing survey results, voting outcomes, or any situation where a count of negative replies is necessary. This usage helps distinguish between the singular “no” and its plural form when the word itself is being counted.
Example 1: Despite her persistent requests, she was met with several firm no’s from her parents.
Example 2: The referendum tally showed a clear majority of no’s, indicating public disapproval.
Example 3: In the feedback session, we recorded three yeses and five emphatic no’s regarding the new policy.
What are the different forms of No’s?
“No’s” itself is a plural form. The singular noun is “no.” While “noes” is an older, less common, but technically correct pluralization of “no,” “no’s” is the widely accepted and preferred form in modern English when referring to the word “no” as a noun. Other forms of “no” include its use as an adverb (e.g., “No, I will not go”), an adjective (e.g., “There is no sugar left”), or an interjection.
Etymology of the word No’s
The word “no” originates from the Old English word “nā,” which itself is a compound of “ne” (not) and “ā” (ever, always). Over centuries, “nā” evolved into “no.” The use of the apostrophe-s (‘s) to form the plural of “no” follows a specific grammatical convention for pluralizing individual letters, numbers, or words used as words, to prevent confusion and improve readability. This convention became more established in English to clarify when a word like “no” is being treated as a countable noun.
Related Concepts
The use of the apostrophe-s (‘s) to form plurals, as seen in “no’s,” is a specific grammatical convention applied primarily to single letters, numbers, or words that are being treated as nouns themselves, rather than their conventional meaning. For example, you would write “mind your p’s and q’s,” “count the 7’s in the sequence,” or “she uses too many but’s in her sentences.” This rule helps avoid ambiguity and improves readability by clearly indicating that an item is being pluralized, not made possessive. Without the apostrophe, “nos” could be misread as a different word or simply look incorrect, whereas “no’s” clearly signals “multiple instances of ‘no’.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The editor circled all the extra and’s and the numerous no’s in the draft, suggesting a more concise approach.”
- “When asked if they would support the controversial measure, the crowd shouted a resounding chorus of no’s.”
- “Her autobiography detailed a series of career setbacks, marked by countless rejections and disheartening no’s from publishers.”
- “The survey results were stark: 80% yeses and 20% firm no’s on the proposed changes.”
- “He recalled the stern no’s from his father that had shaped his discipline throughout his childhood.”
No’s Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rejections | The act of dismissing or refusing to accept something or someone. |
| Refusals | Acts of saying or showing that one is unwilling to do something requested or offered. |
| Denials | Statements that something is not true or that one has not done something. |
| Vetoes | Constitutional rights to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body. |
| Negatives | Undesirable or unhelpful features; votes against something. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “noes” ever correct?
Yes, “noes” is an older, less common, but grammatically correct plural form of “no.” However, in modern usage, “no’s” is generally preferred, especially when referring to multiple instances of the word “no” as a noun (e.g., “The committee collected several no’s”).
Question 2: Why do people often write “nos”?
People often write “nos” due to phonetic confusion and a misunderstanding of the rules for pluralizing words used as nouns. Since most English plurals are formed by simply adding an ‘s’, it’s a natural mistake to apply this rule universally, overlooking the special convention for words like “no.”
Question 3: When would I use “no’s” versus just “no”?
You use “no’s” when you are referring to multiple instances of the word “no” itself, or multiple negative responses/votes as countable items. You use “no” as a singular noun (e.g., “a firm no”), an adverb (e.g., “No, I can’t go”), an adjective (e.g., “no problem”), or an interjection.
Conclusion
In summary, when referring to the plural of the word “no,” particularly in the context of multiple negative responses or rejections, the correct and preferred spelling is no’s. The apostrophe-s convention helps maintain clarity and adheres to established rules for pluralizing words used as nouns. While “noes” exists as an alternative, “no’s” is far more common in contemporary English. Avoid “nos” as it is a common misspelling. A Pro Tip for professional writing is to always double-check pluralizations, especially for irregular forms or words used as words, to ensure your communication is clear, correct, and maintains a strong professional reputation.
