Zeroes or Zeros? The Correct Plural and How to Use It
Have you ever stopped to consider whether to use “zeroes” or “zeroes” when writing a maths problem? You’re not by yourself. Since both forms can be found in books, online, and even dictionaries, many English language learners, students, and even professionals look for “zeroes or zeros.” When dealing with English plural nouns ending in -o, this mistake frequently occurs.
Pianos become pianos, but words like “tomato” become “tomatoes.” Should zero adhere to the same rule, then? It’s critical to comprehend this divide, particularly when it comes to communication, coding, and academic writing.
This article will clearly explain the difference between “zeroes” and “zeros.” You’ll learn which is grammatically correct, why the spelling differences exist, how British and American English treat the word, and when to use each form. Let’s make sure your next math note, report, or blog post gets it 100% right.
Zeroes or Zeros – Quick Answer
✅ Correct form (modern English): Zeros
❌ Less common or outdated form: Zeroes
- Example 1: The number has two zeros at the end.
- Example 2: He zeroes in on the target. (verb form)
👉 Use “zeros” when talking about more than one zero (noun).
👉 Use “zeroes” only as a verb (e.g., “He zeroes in on the goal”).
The Origin of “Zeroes” and “Zeros”
The word “zero” comes from the Arabic word ṣifr, which means “empty.” It entered English through Italian (zero) and French (zéro).
Historically, pluralizing words ending in -o was inconsistent. Some took -es (like “heroes”), while others took only -s (like “pianos”). Over time, “zeros” became the preferred plural form in mathematics, science, and computing because it is simpler and faster to type.
However, “zeroes” survived in older British texts and still appears when the word functions as a verb, such as “She zeroes the rifle.”
British English vs American English Spelling
Both spellings exist, but American English strongly favors “zeros,” while British English allows both, though “zeros” is now more common.
| Usage Context | British English | American English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plural noun | zeros / zeroes (both used) | zeros | “The display showed three zeros.” |
| Verb form | zeroes | zeroes | “The scientist zeroes the instrument.” |
| Academic writing | zeros preferred | zeros only | “Add two zeros to the end of the figure.” |
Overall, while British English is flexible, American English is clear: use “zeros.”
Which Spelling Should You Use?
If your audience is global or American, use “zeros.” It’s the modern, widely accepted spelling in education, software, science, and technology.
However, if your audience is primarily British or literary, you can use “zeroes” in verb forms or creative writing.
👉 Quick rule:
- Use “zeros” → for numbers.
- Use “zeroes” → for actions (verbs).
Examples:
- Correct: “The number 100 has two zeros.”
- Correct: “The pilot zeroes in on the runway.”
- Incorrect: “There are two zeroes in 100.” (Old-fashioned)
Common Mistakes with “Zeroes” vs “Zeros”
- Using “zeroes” as plural of zero → ❌ Incorrect in modern English.
- Using “zeros” as a verb → ❌ Wrong; verbs need “zeroes.”
- Assuming both are interchangeable → They’re not! One is a noun form, the other a verb.
- Mixing both forms in one text → Stay consistent throughout your document.
- Capitalization mistakes → Only capitalize if starting a sentence or used as a title.
“Zeroes” and “Zeros” in Everyday Examples
- Emails: “The code must not contain any zeros.”
- News Articles: “The stock price fell to three zeros.”
- Social Media: “He zeroes in on his goals every day!”
- Formal Writing: “The experiment recorded multiple zeros in data output.”
- Programming: “Replace all zeros in the string with ones.”
These examples show how “zeros” dominates in modern communication, while “zeroes” appears mainly in action-related phrases.
“Zeroes” vs “Zeros” – Google Trends & Usage Data
Recent Google data shows that “zeros” is used about 90% more than “zeroes” globally. In academic papers, tech blogs, and online dictionaries, “zeros” is the dominant form.
| Country | Most Used Form | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Zeros | Math, science, computing |
| UK | Zeros / Zeroes | Literature, casual writing |
| Canada | Zeros | Academic writing |
| India | Zeros | Education and online content |
| Australia | Zeros | Education, media |
Fun Fact: Searches for “zeroes or zeros” spike during math exam seasons and programming tutorials.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: zeroes or zeros?
Both are correct, but “zeros” is preferred as the plural noun in modern English.
2. Is “zeroes” wrong?
No, but it’s old-fashioned for the noun. It’s correct as a verb, e.g., “He zeroes the scope.”
3. Can I use “zeros” in British English?
Yes. British English accepts both, but “zeros” is more modern and standard.
4. Is “zeroes” the plural of zero?
It used to be, but now “zeros” is the standard plural form.
5. Why does “zeroes” exist?
Because older English followed the -oes plural pattern (like “heroes”), though usage has shifted.
6. Does “zeroes” mean the same as “zeros”?
Not exactly. “Zeroes” can act as a verb, while “zeros” is mainly a noun.
7. Which one should I use in academic or professional writing?
Always use “zeros.” It’s accepted worldwide and avoids confusion.
Conclusion
Writers are frequently perplexed by the argument between “zeroes” and “zeros,” but if you grasp the concept, it’s easy. The proper plural noun form in modern English is “zeros,” and the verb form is “zeroes.” “Zero” is always used in American English, and British English has started to do the same.
Use “zeros” while writing math papers, business communications, or web content. It’s permissible to use “zeroes” as a verb or in creative writing. More important than everything else is consistency.
In short:
- Use zeros for numbers.
- Use zeroes for actions.
Now that you know the difference, your writing will stay accurate, polished, and professional every single time.
