Introduction
Is it “softwares” or just “software”? If you’ve ever hesitated before using the plural of “software,” you’re not alone. English can be tricky, and technical jargon often complicates matters even further. While “software” is generally considered an uncountable noun, some people still use “softwares.” So, is that usage correct? Let’s explore the correct grammatical rules, common misconceptions, and proper alternatives.
Understanding Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
Before diving into the specifics of plural of “software,” it’s important to understand the difference between countable and uncountable nouns.
Countable Nouns
These nouns refer to things that can be counted individually. They have singular and plural forms:
- Example: Book → Books, Car → Cars, Program → Programs
Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be separated into individual units easily. They usually do not have a plural form.
- Example: Water, Information, Advice, Furniture
Where Does “Software” Fit?
“Software” is categorized as an uncountable noun like “information” or “furniture.” It represents a collective concept rather than individual, countable units.
Read More About This Article: What Is the Past Tense of “See” and Its Past Participle?
Why “Software” Is Considered Uncountable
The term “software” originated in the 1950s, used to distinguish computer programs from hardware. Unlike “programs,” which are individual pieces of code, “software” refers to an entire category of digital applications and systems.
Key Linguistic Reasons:
- Conceptual Category: Similar to “equipment” or “data,” “software” describes a broad category rather than discrete units.
- No Plural Form in Formal Usage: Just as we don’t say “equipments” or “informations,” “softwares” is not considered standard English.
- Professional and Academic Consensus: Dictionaries and style guides, including the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster, define “software” as singular.
Pluralizing “Software” Correctly
Since “software” is uncountable, you can’t add an “s” to make it plural. Instead, use these alternatives:
Correct Alternatives:
- “Pieces of software”
- “Software applications”
- “Software programs”
Real-World Examples:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| “I installed many softwares.” | “I installed many pieces of software.” |
| “We develop different softwares.” | “We develop different software applications.” |
These phrases ensure grammatical accuracy while maintaining clarity.
Exceptions and Informal Usage
While “softwares” is not grammatically correct in standard English, it appears in some contexts:
1. Non-Native English Usage
Many non-native English speakers (especially in regions like India and Europe) use “softwares” due to direct translations from their native languages.
2. Branding and Marketing
Some companies and industries use “softwares” in informal or marketing contexts to emphasize multiple software solutions.
- Example: “Best Free Softwares for Designers” (a phrase seen on some tech blogs, even though it’s not standard English).
3. Legal and Technical Jargon
In specialized legal and licensing contexts, “softwares” sometimes appears to refer to different software packages or proprietary solutions.
The Debate: Can Language Change?
Language is constantly evolving. Some words that were once considered incorrect become accepted over time. For example:
- “Data” as Singular: Originally, “data” was the plural of “datum,” but today, “data” is commonly used as a singular noun.
- “Media” as Both Singular and Plural: “Media” was once strictly plural, but today, “The media is biased” is common usage.
Could “softwares” become widely accepted in the future? Possibly—but for now, major dictionaries and style guides advise against it.
Practical Usage: How to Speak and Write Correctly
To ensure proper grammar in writing and speech, follow these guidelines:
1. For Everyday Conversation and Writing
Use “software” as singular:
✔ “This software is useful.” ✔ “New software is available.”
2. For Professional and Academic Writing
Avoid “softwares.” Instead, be specific:
✔ “Several pieces of software were tested.” ✔ “Various software solutions exist for this problem.”
3. For Technical and Marketing Contexts
If targeting a specific audience, consider alternatives:
✔ “Software applications” for general use ✔ “Software solutions” for business contexts ✔ “Software programs” when referring to multiple applications
Conclusion
So, is “softwares” correct? No—at least not in standard English. “Software” remains an uncountable noun, much like “information” or “equipment.” Instead of using “softwares,” opt for proper alternatives like “pieces of software” or “software applications.”
Final Takeaways:
✔ “Software” is an uncountable noun. ✔ “Softwares” is incorrect in formal English. ✔ Use “software applications” or “pieces of software” instead. ✔ Language evolves, but for now, major dictionaries do not recognize “softwares.”
Next time you write or speak about software, you’ll know exactly how to do it correctly! 🚀