Among the difficulties of the Russian language, cases of fluctuation of nouns in the form of plural are particularly distinguished. including nominative case. These are words such as “chauffeurs — chauffeurs,” “directors — directors,” “contracts — contracts,” etc. Let us examine the specifics of using such forms.
Why there are words with multiple endings
In the modern reference book “Grammatical Correctness of Russian Speech” it is said that in our language there are at least 300 words in which fluctuations of the plural forms of the nominative case are observed.
Options on -a / -i or -y / -i are distinguished stylistically. It is traditionally believed that inflection -a is used in words that relate to the sphere of vernacular (dialecticism) and professional speech. For example, confectioners and cooks often say “ baker” instead of “ bakers,” and metalworkers say “ locksmith” instead of the literary version of “ locksmith” . If you are a taxi driver with experience or an experienced driver, and you have a question about how to correctly: “ chauffeurs” or “ chauffeur ”, then you have doubts as to whether your work colleagues are speaking correctly.
In modern Russian, there are at least 70 words that are used only with the endings a / s. Here are a few examples: on trains, evenings, doctors, passports, brakes, cold, anchors.
The forms on s / s are most often literary normalized and therefore stylistically neutral. Now we will figure out how to correctly - “ drivers” or “ drivers” .
How are "drivers" different from "drivers"?
You can verify the correct pronunciation by the explanatory or spelling dictionary. In modern Russian, both forms are correct. However, when choosing the option " drivers" or " driver" you need to be guided by the scope of your speech.
In a conversation, you can safely use both forms, but in writing you should use the option " drivers" , because it is he who is the most correct from the point of view of spelling.
What are the forms of the Russian language?
The Russian language, like any other developed language, is stylistically diverse. When we talk about the literary norm, we mean primarily written speech. Of course, that, say, in the resume it is impossible to write: “ Please accept me as a cashier ”, but need: “ Please consider my candidacy for the position of cashier”.
In parallel with the literary norm, there is a colloquial norm. This is also correct speech, but it is limited to the oral sphere. This does not mean that it is impossible to say “ driver” , but this form is stylistically marked and is used only as a professional or colloquial one. In written language, this option is preferably not used.
But the forms of words that are classified as vernacular in the dictionaries are located outside the borders of the competent Russian language. For example, the variants of “ locksmith” and “ turner” include colloquialism - it’s really better not to say that.
Other examples of words with endings
Linguists found about 200 nouns, which are in the form of plural. including nominative cases have both options. For the most part, these are the names of professions and persons by the nature of their activity. Below are some examples of such pairs:
- " boatswain" - "boatswain " (special., professional speech);
- " accountants" - "accountants" (open.);
- " dispatchers" - "dispatchers " (open);
- “ directors” - “directors” (outdated);
- " deacons" - "deacon" (both options are equal);
- " engineers" - "engineers" (vernacular);
- " instructors" - "instructors" (dec.);
- “ pilot” - “pilot” (in the speech of sailors).
"Chauffeur" or "chauffeur"?
The token “ driver” came into Russian from the French “chauffeur”. The suffix -eur- is used to denote professions: “professeur” - “ teacher” , “conducteur” - “ conductor” .
The stress in the word " driver" should fall on the last syllable. And the point here is not that in French the emphasis is always on the last syllable, because we do not say "conductor" or "professor". Most likely, the reason is that the word " driver" retained the sound -- inherent in the source variant, and in Russian the stress always falls on the syllable in which this sound is.
So, the form " SCOFFER" is incorrect, although it is found in the speech of professional drivers.
Synonyms of the word "driver"
Of course, in the Russian language there are other words denoting the person driving the car. You can say either “driver” or “driver” in any speech, because these two synonyms are absolutely equal.
Someone who likes to drive very fast, but not always safely, is called a "scorcher", and one for whom driving a car has become a favorite hobby, can be called a "motorist."
A dishonest taxi driver is called a “driver” or “carrier”, and someone who drives a bus is sometimes called the word “chef”. These forms are related to slang.
There are other synonyms for the word "driver", all of them have their own connotation of meaning.
To summarize. In modern Russian, the choice of the option " chauffeurs" or " chauffeur " depends on whether you use these words in oral or written language. In business correspondence and official documentation, it is necessary to use the option with the ending -s. In professional activities (if you work as a driver), in a conversation with friends or colleagues it is allowed to use both options.