Scissor vs. Scissors – Which is Correct?
Scissors is the correct word for the cutting tool with two blades and handles. While “scissor” can function as a verb (to cut) or an adjective (e.g., scissor kick), it is grammatically incorrect to use “scissor” as the singular noun for the cutting implement itself. Always use “scissors.”
Scissor or Scissors – Which is Correct?
When referring to the common cutting implement with two blades and handles, the correct word is always scissors. The word “scissors” is a plural-form noun, meaning it ends in “s” but refers to a single item (like “pants” or “trousers”).
The word “scissor” can be used as a verb, meaning to cut something with scissors, or to move in a way that resembles the opening and closing of scissors. It can also function as an adjective, as in “scissor kick.” However, using “scissor” as the singular noun for the cutting tool itself is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in standard English.
Similarly, mastering distinctions between other commonly confused terms, such as copying versus coping, enhances overall writing precision.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scissors | Noun (plural-form) | A hand-operated cutting instrument with two blades pivoted so that the sharpened edges slide against each other. | “Please hand me the scissors to cut this ribbon.” |
| Scissor | Verb | To cut with scissors; to move in a scissoring motion. | “He will scissor the paper into strips.” |
| Scissor | Adjective | Relating to or resembling scissors. | “The gymnast performed a perfect scissor kick.” |
How to Use Scissors
The noun “scissors” always takes a plural verb, even when referring to a single pair. To indicate a single cutting tool, you would say “a pair of scissors.” When referring to multiple tools, you’d say “two pairs of scissors” or “several pairs of scissors.” It’s generally used in a neutral or formal tone, as it’s the standard term.
Example 1: “The scissors are on the table, next to the fabric.”
Example 2: “I need a new pair of scissors for my craft project.”
Example 3: “These medical scissors are incredibly sharp and precise.”
What are the different forms of Scissors?
The word “scissors” itself does not change form for singular or plural when referring to the cutting tool. It is always “scissors.” However, you can quantify it using “pair” or “pairs”:
- Singular reference: a pair of scissors
- Plural reference: two pairs of scissors, several pairs of scissors
It does not have tenses as it is a noun.
Etymology of the word Scissors
The word “scissors” comes from the Old French “cisoires,” which itself derived from the Latin “cisoria,” meaning “cutting instrument.” This Latin root is related to “caedere,” meaning “to cut.” The “s” at the end of “scissors” is a remnant of its origin as a plural-form noun, reflecting the two blades that make up the instrument, much like “trousers” or “spectacles.”
Related Concepts
Understanding “scissors” is easier when you grasp the concept of plural-form nouns, also known as pluralia tantum. These are nouns that appear to be plural (ending in -s) but refer to a single item or concept, or a set of items that function as a single unit. They always take a plural verb. Common examples include:
- Pants: “My pants are too long.” (referring to one item of clothing)
- Glasses/Spectacles: “Her new glasses are stylish.” (referring to one optical aid)
- Tongs: “The tongs are in the drawer.” (referring to one utensil)
- Shears: “The garden shears are rusty.” (referring to one cutting tool)
To refer to a single instance of these items, we often use the phrase “a pair of,” such as “a pair of pants” or “a pair of scissors.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- “With a decisive snip of the scissors, she cut the ribbon, officially opening the new library wing.” – (Adapted from a news report)
- “Edward Scissorhands, a gentle, unfinished artificial man, had scissors for hands.” – (From the movie “Edward Scissorhands”)
- “She rummaged through her sewing kit, finally locating the small embroidery scissors.” – (From a contemporary novel)
- “The barber carefully wielded his sharp scissors, shaping the customer’s hair with precision.” – (From a magazine article on grooming)
- “He used the heavy-duty industrial scissors to cut through the thick cardboard.” – (From a product manual)
Scissors Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Shears | A cutting implement resembling scissors but typically larger and more powerful, used for gardening, metalwork, or fabrics. |
| Clippers | A tool used for clipping or trimming hair, nails, or other materials, often smaller than shears. |
| Snips | Small hand shears, typically used for cutting thin sheet metal or similar materials. |
| Secateurs | A type of hand shears used for pruning plants. (More common in British English) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “a scissor” grammatically correct?
No, “a scissor” is grammatically incorrect when referring to the cutting tool. The correct phrase to refer to one cutting tool is “a pair of scissors.”
Question 2: Why does “scissors” end in ‘s’ if it’s one item?
“Scissors” is a plural-form noun (or pluralia tantum), meaning it always takes a plural form because it refers to an object composed of two symmetrical parts. Other examples include “pants,” “glasses,” and “trousers.”
Question 3: Can “scissor” ever be used as a noun?
While “scissor” is primarily a verb or adjective, it can rarely appear as a singular noun in very technical or compound contexts (e.g., “scissor lift”). However, for the common cutting tool, “scissors” is the only correct noun.
Conclusion
In summary, when you’re referring to the hand-operated cutting tool, the correct and only grammatically acceptable term is scissors. Remember that “scissors” is a plural-form noun, always taking a plural verb, and to refer to a single tool, you use “a pair of scissors.” While “scissor” has valid uses as a verb or adjective, it should not be used as the singular noun for the cutting implement.
Pro Tip: Using “scissor” instead of “scissors” for the cutting tool is a common grammatical error that can detract from your professional writing. Always opt for “scissors” to maintain clarity and credibility.
