Plural of Matrix: Matrices or Matrixes? Full Grammar Guide
Language often hides surprises, especially when words come from Latin or Greek. One such example is the word matrix. It is widely used in mathematics, computer science, biology, and even in everyday conversation. Yet, when people try to write its plural, they often hesitate. Is it matrixes or matrices?
Which is correct, and in what situations? This article will answer these questions thoroughly, explain the rules behind them, give plenty of examples, and clear every possible doubt.
READ ALSO: What Is the Plural of Mango? Mangoes or Mangos Explained
What is the plural of matrix?
The standard plural of matrix is matrices. This form follows the original Latin pattern, where words ending in -ix often change to -ices in the plural. However, in modern English, you will also encounter the variant matrixes, which is considered acceptable but less common.
So, both are correct, but usage depends on context and audience. In academic writing, mathematics, and science, matrices is the dominant form. In general English or non-technical use, some writers may prefer matrixes for clarity.
Why is the plural matrices?
The answer lies in history. Matrix is a Latin noun. In Latin, the plural of matrix was matrices. English borrowed the word during the Middle Ages, along with many other Latin scientific and scholarly terms. Over time, English kept the Latin plural for certain formal contexts, especially in science.
Linguists at Cambridge and Oxford have noted that the tendency to keep Latin plurals in English is stronger in technical fields because specialists like consistency with older texts.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of English Linguistics confirmed that academic corpora overwhelmingly favor matrices, while newspapers and casual writing sometimes adopt matrixes.
Can matrixes also be correct?
Yes, matrixes is also correct. Dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, and Collins list matrixes as a valid plural. It appears more often in general English when referring to broader, non-scientific uses of the word.
For example, when speaking about a matrix of possibilities in politics or culture, some writers may use matrixes. The form avoids confusion for readers unfamiliar with Latin plurals.
Examples of matrices in use
To understand how the plural works, let us look at clear examples in sentences:
-
In mathematics:
-
“The professor explained how to multiply two matrices together.”
-
“Determinants of matrices are central in linear algebra.”
-
-
In computer science:
-
“Graphics programming often involves operations on large matrices of numbers.”
-
“Neural networks rely heavily on weight matrices.”
-
-
In biology:
-
“Bone tissue contains protein matrices that give it structure.”
-
“The scientist examined the extracellular matrices under the microscope.”
-
-
In culture:
-
“Different belief matrices shape human society.”
-
“Writers often imagine parallel matrices of reality.”
-
READ ALSO: What Is the Plural of Series? Meaning, Rules, and Examples Explained
Examples of matrixes in use
Now compare with contexts where matrixes appears:
-
General use:
-
“The historian compared several matrixes of cultural influence.”
-
“Different matrixes of thought shaped the debate.”
-
-
Literature:
-
“The novel explores alternate matrixes of existence.”
-
“Philosophers analyze mental matrixes that guide decision-making.”
-
-
Journalism:
-
“Two competing matrixes of power exist in the country.”
-
“The report described overlapping matrixes of corruption.”
-
-
Everyday speech:
-
“She studied the matrixes of her options before making a choice.”
-
“We live inside several matrixes of influence.”
-
Which should you use?
The short answer:
-
Use matrices in mathematics, science, and formal writing.
-
Use matrixes in informal or general contexts, especially outside technical subjects.
A graphical guide for clarity
| Word Form | Plural Used | Context of Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix → Matrices | Latin-based plural | Science, mathematics, biology, computer science | “Two matrices were multiplied to find the solution.” |
| Matrix → Matrixes | Anglicized plural | General English, literature, casual speech | “The writer described alternate matrixes of human thought.” |
This table shows how both plurals exist, but their acceptability depends on audience and context.
Why does English keep two plurals?
English is flexible. Unlike languages that strictly enforce one correct form, English often accepts two or more versions if they are widely used. For words from Latin and Greek, the older classical plural often survives in technical writing, while a regularized English plural appears in everyday contexts.
Research from the University of Michigan (2021) observed that scientific English retains classical plurals 70% more often than general English. This explains why you read matrices in textbooks but might encounter matrixes in newspapers or novels.
Do other -ix words follow the same rule?
Yes, many words ending in -ix have dual plurals. For example:
-
Appendix → appendices (technical), appendixes (general)
-
Index → indices (technical), indexes (general)
-
Vertex → vertices (mathematics), rarely vertexes
-
Helix → helices (science), helixes (less common)
These examples show the same pattern: Latin plurals dominate in academic or scientific writing, while Anglicized plurals sometimes appear in ordinary language.
READ ALSO: What Is the Plural of Crisis? Meaning, Rules, and Examples
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is matrices the only correct plural of matrix?
No. While matrices is the preferred form in academic and technical contexts, matrixes is also correct in standard English. Both are recognized by major dictionaries.
Why do some people use matrixes instead of matrices?
People may use matrixes because it feels simpler, matches the normal English plural rule, and avoids confusing readers who are unfamiliar with Latin forms.
Is matrices used in computer programming?
Yes. In computer science, especially in data processing, graphics, and artificial intelligence, matrices is the standard term.
Can I use matrixes in my essay?
If your essay is technical, such as in mathematics or science, you should use matrices. If it is a general humanities essay, matrixes will not be wrong, but matrices will still sound more formal.
Which plural is more common in books?
Studies of English corpora show that matrices is far more common in academic books, while matrixes occasionally appears in novels, journalism, or political commentary.
Do native speakers accept both forms?
Yes. Most English speakers understand both, though many consider matrices to be the more educated or precise form.
Conclusion
The plural of matrix can be matrices or matrixes, depending on your purpose. The Latin-based form matrices dominates in mathematics, science, and technical writing, while the Anglicized matrixes sometimes appears in general English. Both are correct, and knowing when to use each shows mastery of English flexibility.
The safest choice in formal writing is matrices, but in less formal settings, you may choose matrixes without fear of being wrong. Understanding the distinction places you among careful writers who respect both history and modern usage.