Professors or professors? You do not know the answer to this question? You can find it in the submitted article.
general information
In the Russian language there is a huge number of nouns, which are quite problematic to put in the plural. For example, not everyone knows how to be right: professors or professors. Someone argues that the first option is true, while someone uses only the second in written and spoken language.
Background
The plural of the word “professor” and other nouns with the stressed ending –i, –y or –a represents the remainder of the dual. Surely many people know that before in the Russian language there were three forms of numbers, namely:
- plural;
- the only thing;
- dualistic.
The latter was applied only to paired items. Here is a good example: “eyes” - two, “eye” - one, and “tow” - a lot. Now the following lexical units are related to the dual form: “eyes”, “sides”, “horns”.
One cannot ignore the fact that back in the time of M.V. Lomonosov, these words were called the only nouns in the plural, where the last syllable was in the stressed position. Moreover, “eyelids” were said about “centuries”, about “evenings” - “evenings”, etc. In the future, such a model with a shock ending began to spread rapidly. As a result, by the mid-19th century there were already several dozen such words. Now there are more than 600 of them.
How to determine the correct spelling of a word?
Before you understand how to pronounce and write correctly - professors or professors, it should be noted that there is no specific rule on this subject in the Russian language. In this regard, if you need to use this word in the text, it is recommended to refer to the spelling dictionary or reference book. After all, the only way you can quickly and easily establish how it will be right: professors or professors. If the directory is not at hand, we recommend that you remember the note below.
How will the “professor” be in the plural?
The plural of such a noun is as follows: “Professor A.” As for the lexical unit ending in -y, this is an outdated word. It was used in this form about a century ago. Although many modern people often use it in written and spoken language. It should be noted that there is nothing criminal in this. But if you need to write the text as competently and in modern Russian as possible, then the word "professorA" should be used. Otherwise, this will be considered a spelling mistake.
hint
About how to speak correctly - professors or professors, we found out a little higher. As you have noticed, there is no specific rule in the Russian language on this subject. It should only be remembered that it is recommended to use only the first option in writing and in oral speech. But if you are constantly confused in such lexical units, then we recommend using the prompt below.
In 99% of 100 singular nouns ending in -or and denoting any inanimate objects form a plural form in -y. We give illustrative examples: a contract - contracts, a detector - detectors, a refrigerator - refrigerators, an inductor - inductors, etc.
As for the nouns on –or, which indicate animate objects, in some cases they can have the ending –a, and in others ––. Let us give a good example: the director is the director, the professor is the professor, but the designer is the designers. Thus, if you are dealing with animated objects, then to determine their spelling, it is recommended to refer to the spelling dictionary or reference book.
Forecast for the future
The model at –a / –y, as well as at –a / –a, is spreading quite quickly in the Russian language. Many linguists in horror expect the advent of "experienced accountants", "fresh cake" and so on. However, it should be noted that there are still some factors that independently regulate normative shaping and do not allow “chauffeurs” to become “chauffeurs”.
As for other similar words, in the plural their stress and the correct ending are best checked in the dictionary. If this is problematic for you, it is recommended to remember them, for example, using such simple rhyme prompts as contracts - thieves, directorA - masterA, and so on.
Spelling Other Words
As mentioned above, in the Russian language there are quite a few words that are problematic to put in the plural due to their duality. That is why we decided to bring to your attention only the right and most preferable options: editors, agreements, children's camps, permits (certificates), conductors, sectors, tractors, boats and so on.