The Correct Plural of Chairman: Usage, Rules, and Examples

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In English, the word “chairman” is a familiar term, especially in business, academia, and formal organizations. But when it comes to its plural form, many English learners—and even native speakers—find themselves uncertain. Is it chairmans, chairmen, or something else entirely? The answer is nuanced, involving irregular pluralization, gender-neutral alternatives, and evolving language conventions.

Mastering the plural of “chairman” is essential for clear, professional, and inclusive communication. Whether drafting a corporate report, writing an academic paper, or participating in meetings, using the correct form reflects both grammatical competence and social awareness.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the plural of “chairman”. We will cover definitions, grammar rules, alternative plural forms, examples, common mistakes, practice exercises, and advanced topics like gender-neutral language. This article is crafted for students, teachers, English learners, professionals, editors, and anyone striving for precise language use.

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1 What Is a “Chairman”?

The word chairman is a compound noun composed of chair + man. It traditionally refers to the individual, usually male, who leads or presides over meetings, committees, governing boards, or organizations.

In various contexts:

  • Corporate: The chairman is the head of the board of directors.
  • Academic: The chairman oversees a department or committee.
  • Political: The chairman leads a political party or government body.

Grammatically, chairman is a singular, countable noun.

Traditionally, chairman implied a male role, but in modern usage, it can refer to any gender, though many prefer chairperson or chair for inclusivity.

3.2 What Does “Plural of Chairman” Mean?

English nouns often change form to indicate plurality, meaning more than one. Using the correct plural helps maintain proper subject-verb agreement and clarity in sentences.

For example:

  • The chairman is speaking. (singular)
  • The chairmen are speaking. (plural)

Getting the plural right is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

3.3 Why Is the Plural of Chairman Special?

The plural of chairman is noteworthy because:

  • As a compound noun, it follows irregular pluralization patterns.
  • Its root word man has an irregular plural (men), causing a vowel change.
  • The rise of gender-neutral language introduces alternative plural forms.
  • Both formal tradition and modern inclusivity influence its pluralization.

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1 Basic Pluralization Rules for Nouns

Most English nouns form plurals by adding:

  • -s: dog → dogs, book → books
  • -es: box → boxes, church → churches

However, some nouns are irregular and change internally or follow different patterns:

  • child → children
  • mouse → mice
  • man → men
  • woman → women

4.2 Compound Noun Pluralization

Compound nouns combine two or more words. Their pluralization depends on which word is the main noun:

  • Passerby → passersby (pluralize the principal noun passer)
  • Mother-in-law → mothers-in-law (pluralize mother)

Since chairman is a compound noun where man is the core noun, the plural is formed by changing man → men.

4.3 The Standard Plural: Chairmen

The traditional plural of chairman is chairmen—an irregular plural involving a vowel change from a to e, following the pattern of man → men.

Singular Plural Notes
man men Irregular vowel change
woman women Irregular vowel change
chairman chairmen Follows man → men pattern

4.4 Alternative Plurals: Chairmans and Chairpeople

Sometimes, you may encounter chairmans, but this is incorrect and likely a mistake from applying regular plural rules.

Due to increased gender inclusivity, alternative terms have emerged:

  • Chairperson (plural: chairpersons)
  • Chair (plural: chairs)
  • Chairpeople (plural, inclusive; less common)

These alternatives are grammatically correct and often preferred in modern, inclusive language.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1 Traditional Plural: Chairmen

The most widely accepted and traditional plural of chairman is chairmen. It is used in formal writing, business documents, and traditional contexts.

5.2 Gender-Neutral Alternatives

5.2.1 Chairpersons

Chairperson replaces chairman with a neutral suffix. The plural is regular: chairpersons.

Used in academia, formal organizations, and any setting prioritizing inclusivity.

5.2.2 Chairs (as a plural noun)

Many organizations now simply use chair as a shortened, gender-neutral term.

  • Singular: The chair will speak.
  • Plural: The chairs will speak.

This is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

5.2.3 Chairpeople

Chairpeople is a plural gender-neutral alternative, modeled after people as the plural of person.

While less common, it reflects evolving inclusive language trends.

5.3 Incorrect or Non-Standard Forms

  • Chairmans: Incorrect pluralization; avoid it.
  • Chair men (two words): Incorrect splitting of the compound noun; avoid it.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1 Singular vs. Plural Comparison

Singular Sentence Plural Sentence
The chairman called the meeting to order. The chairmen called the meetings to order.
Our chairman is very experienced. Our chairmen are very experienced.
The chairman’s decision was final. The chairmen’s decisions were final.
The chairman leads the committee. The chairmen lead the committees.
The chairman attended the conference. The chairmen attended the conferences.
The chairman gave a speech. The chairmen gave speeches.
Each chairman has a unique style. All the chairmen have unique styles.
The chairman was absent today. The chairmen were absent today.
The chairman’s report is detailed. The chairmen’s reports are detailed.
This chairman prefers informal meetings. These chairmen prefer informal meetings.

6.2 Examples with Gender-Neutral Alternatives

  • The chairpersons of the committees met yesterday.
  • All the chairs attended the annual conference.
  • The chairpeople discussed the new policies.
  • The department chairs reviewed the curriculum.
  • Three chairpersons were nominated this year.
  • Several chairs submitted proposals for funding.
  • The chairpeople agreed on the next steps.
  • The board invited the chairs to the gala.
  • Multiple chairpersons resigned after the scandal.
  • The chairpeople coordinated their efforts efficiently.

6.3 Incorrect vs. Correct Examples

Incorrect Correct Explanation
The chairmans attended the meeting. The chairmen attended the meeting. “Chairmans” is incorrect
Several chairman disagreed on the issue. Several chairmen disagreed on the issue. Singular noun used instead of plural
The chairmans are present. The chairmen are present. Incorrect plural form
Many chairman were appointed. Many chairmen were appointed. Wrong singular/plural use
All chair mans attended. All chairmen attended. Incorrect split of compound noun
The chairmen’s have spoken. The chairmen have spoken. Incorrect possessive use
The chairpeople’s is final. The chairpeople’s decision is final. Incomplete possessive phrase
Each chairmans gave a report. Each chairman gave a report. Wrong plural form
Several chairmen’s decisions was wrong. Several chairmen’s decisions were wrong. Subject-verb agreement error
The chairmans decision is final. The chairman’s decision is final. Incorrect plural and possessive confusion

6.4 Complex Sentences Examples

  • The chairmen, who had chaired numerous meetings before, were confident in their approach.
  • Because the chairmen’s reports were delayed, the committee postponed its decision.
  • Although the chairs disagreed initially, they eventually reached a consensus.
  • The chairpersons, each representing a different department, collaborated effectively.
  • If the chairpeople approve the proposal today, implementation will begin next week.
  • While the chairmen had different opinions, their goal remained the same.
  • The chairs who submitted their feedback early were praised by the board.
  • After the chairpersons’ presentations, the audience asked several questions.
  • The chairpeople’s recommendations were included in the final report.
  • Since both chairmen agreed, the policy was adopted unanimously.

6.5 Examples in Context-Specific Usage

Context Example Sentence
Business The chairmen of the partner companies met to discuss the merger.
Academic All department chairs attended the faculty senate meeting.
Political The party chairpersons issued a joint statement on election reforms.
Nonprofit Several chairpeople coordinated efforts for the fundraising gala.
Corporate The board’s chairmen reviewed quarterly financial reports.
Academic The chairs of the research committees submitted their findings.
Government Multiple committee chairmen testified before the legislature.
Business The company’s chairpersons outlined strategic goals for next year.
Education The school board chairs agreed on new curriculum standards.
Politics The regional chairmen gathered to discuss policy alignment.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1 Standard Rule: Use “Chairmen” for Plural

Chairmen is the traditional and grammatically correct plural form of chairman.

Use it in:

  • Formal writing (reports, publications)
  • Business and corporate documents
  • Traditional titles and roles

7.2 Gender Neutrality and Modern Usage

Increasingly, organizations prefer gender-neutral alternatives:

  • Chairpersons: inclusive, formal
  • Chairs: inclusive, adaptable to formal and informal
  • Chairpeople: inclusive, less formal, modern
Plural Form Context/Use Formality Level Gender Inclusivity
chairmen Traditional, formal High Male connotation
chairpersons Inclusive, formal High Inclusive
chairs Inclusive, informal/formal Variable Inclusive
chairpeople Inclusive, less formal, modern settings Medium Inclusive

Major style guides increasingly recommend gender-neutral options:

  • APA: prefers gender-neutral terms
  • Chicago Manual: recommends inclusive language
  • AP Stylebook: favors chair or chairperson

7.3 Rule Exceptions and Variations

  • Titles are sometimes kept singular: Chairman Smith and Chairman Lee.
  • Sometimes pluralization is unnecessary if referring to the role generically: The role of chairman is important.
  • British English traditionally favors chairman, but inclusive terms are spreading.

7.4 Subject-Verb Agreement with Plural Forms

  • The chairmen are discussing new policies.
  • The chairs have submitted their reports.
  • The chairpersons were invited to the summit.

7.5 Possessive Forms of Plural Chairman

Plural possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after the plural noun:

  • chairmen’s (belonging to multiple chairmen)
  • chairs’ (belonging to multiple chairs)
  • chairpersons’ (belonging to multiple chairpersons)

Examples:

  • The chairmen’s decisions were unanimous.
  • The chairs’ feedback was valuable.
  • The chairpersons’ votes determined the outcome.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1 Using “Chairmans” as Plural

This is a common error caused by overapplying the regular plural rule. Since chairman includes the irregular noun man, the plural is chairmen, not chairmans.

8.2 Mixing Singular and Plural Forms Incorrectly

Examples:

  • Incorrect: Many chairman are attending.
  • Correct: Many chairmen are attending.

8.3 Gender Neutrality Confusion

Using chairman to refer to a mixed or all-female group is outdated. Prefer inclusive plural forms like chairpersons or chairs.

8.4 Title vs. Noun Confusion

Sometimes Chairman is a title, used even in plural contexts:

  • Chairman Smith and Chairman Lee attended. (titles, singular form retained)

But when referring to roles generically, use plural:

  • The chairmen discussed the agenda.

8.5 Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement

Example errors:

  • Incorrect: The chairmen is here.
  • Correct: The chairmen are here.

8.6 Table of Common Mistakes with Corrections

Mistake Correction Reason
The chairmans has arrived. The chairmen have arrived. Incorrect plural + wrong verb agreement
The chairmen’s is finalized. The chairmen’s decision is finalized. Misused possessive
Many chairman was present. Many chairmen were present. Wrong plural + verb agreement
The chairmans decision is final. The chairman’s decision is final. Incorrect plural and possessive confusion
The chairperson’s have voted. The chairpersons have voted. Wrong possessive used instead of plural
Several chairmen’s are absent. Several chairmen are absent. Incorrect possessive use

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. The ___ of the committees met yesterday. (chairmen / chairpersons)
  2. All the ___ reviewed the budget proposal. (chairs)
  3. The ___ agreed to postpone the event. (chairpeople)
  4. Several ___ were appointed this year. (chairpersons)
  5. The ___ recommendations were adopted. (chairmen’s)
  6. The ___ submitted their reports on time. (chairs)
  7. Multiple ___ attended the summit. (chairmen)
  8. The ___ decision was unanimous. (chairpersons’)
  9. Because the ___ disagreed, the vote was delayed. (chairpeople)
  10. Both ___ praised the committee’s work. (chairmen)

9.2 Correct the Mistake

  1. The chairmans have spoken. → The chairmen have spoken.
  2. Several chairman were present. → Several chairmen were present.
  3. The chairmans decision is final. → The chairman’s decision is final.
  4. The chairmen’s have arrived. → The chairmen have arrived.
  5. Many chairman was absent. → Many chairmen were absent.
  6. The chairpersons’s opinions differ. → The chairpersons’ opinions differ.
  7. Each chairmans gave a speech. → Each chairman gave a speech.
  8. The chairpeople’s is accepted. → The chairpeople’s decision is accepted.
  9. Multiple chair mans attended. → Multiple chairmen attended.
  10. The chairperson’s have met. → The chairpersons have met.

9.3 Identify the Plural Form

Which of these are correct plural forms? (Mark with ✓ or ✗)

Word Correct?
chairmans ✗
chairmen ✓
chairpersons ✓
chairpeople ✓
chairman ✗ (singular)
chairs ✓
chairmens ✗
chairman’s ✗ (singular possessive)
chairpersons’ ✓ (plural possessive)
chairmans’ ✗

9.4 Sentence Construction

  1. Write a sentence using chairmen.
  2. Write a sentence using chairs.
  3. Write a sentence using chairpersons.
  4. Write a sentence using chairpeople.
  5. Write a sentence using the plural possessive chairmen’s.

9.5 Advanced Application

Correct the errors in this paragraph:

The chairmans has discussed the issue. Both chairman’s opinions was different, so the chairpersons’s decision have been delayed. All the chair mans will meet again tomorrow to finalize their plans.

Corrected version:

The chairmen have discussed the issue. Both chairmen’s opinions were different, so the chairpersons’ decision has been delayed. All the chairmen will meet again tomorrow to finalize their plans.

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1 Historical Evolution of “Chairman” and Its Plural

Chairman originates from the 17th century, combining chair (meaning presiding position) with man (meaning person). Traditionally male-oriented, the plural chairmen follows the irregular pattern inherited from Old English.

In recent decades, increased awareness of gender bias led to neutral alternatives gaining popularity.

10.2 Gender-Inclusive Language and Pluralization

Language evolves with society. As inclusivity becomes important, many institutions now avoid chairman/chairmen in plural, favoring:

  • chairpersons
  • chairs
  • chairpeople

This shift reflects social values and impacts plural usage norms.

10.3 Pluralization in Compound and Hyphenated Titles

Similar pluralization applies to titles like:

  • vice-chairman → vice-chairmen
  • co-chairman → co-chairmen
  • assistant chairman → assistant chairmen

Or inclusive alternatives:

  • vice-chairpersons
  • co-chairs

10.4 Formal vs. Informal Register

  • Formal: chairmen, chairpersons
  • Informal: chairs, chairpeople

Choose plural forms based on your audience and context.

10.5 Regional and Dialectal Variations

  • British English: traditionally prefers chairman/chairmen, but inclusivity is increasing.
  • American English: more readily adopts chairperson, chair, chairpeople.
  • Australian English: increasingly favors gender-neutral terms.

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the correct plural of chairman?
    The traditional correct plural is chairmen.
  2. Is chairmans ever correct?
    No, chairmans is grammatically incorrect. Use chairmen or a gender-neutral alternative.
  3. Can chairmen refer to women?
    Traditionally no, but increasingly yes. However, gender-neutral alternatives like chairpersons or chairs are preferred for inclusivity.
  4. What plural form should I use in gender-neutral writing?
    Use chairpersons, chairs, or chairpeople.
  5. Is chairs an acceptable plural of chairman?
    As a gender-neutral alternative, yes. It is widely accepted and recommended.
  6. How do I pluralize chairman in formal business writing?
    Traditionally, use chairmen, but many businesses now prefer chairpersons or chairs.
  7. Are chairmen and chairpersons interchangeable?
    In function, often yes, but chairpersons is inclusive; chairmen is traditional.
  8. What about plural possessive forms (chairmen’s vs. chairmans’)?
    Correct form is chairmen’s. Chairmans’ is incorrect.
  9. How do style guides recommend pluralizing chairman?
    Most prefer inclusive forms like chairpersons or chairs.
  10. Can I use chairmen in academic writing?
    Yes, but inclusive alternatives are increasingly encouraged.
  11. What is the plural of co-chairman?
    Co-chairmen, or inclusively, co-chairs.
  12. Why do some people say chairpeople?
    To use an inclusive, plural form similar to people as plural of person.

12. CONCLUSION

In summary, the standard plural of chairman is chairmen, formed through an irregular vowel change. However, modern English increasingly favors inclusive alternatives: chairpersons, chairs, and chairpeople.

Choosing the right plural form depends on context, formality, and inclusivity goals. For traditional formal use, chairmen remains correct. For gender-neutral, inclusive communication, chairpersons and chairs are preferred.

Accurate pluralization ensures clarity and professionalism, while also respecting evolving language norms. Practice with the exercises, consult the tables, and be sensitive to context to master this important grammar point.

Understanding the plural of chairman not only refines your grammar but also demonstrates awareness of inclusive language—a key skill in modern communication.

Keep exploring English grammar complexities, and don’t hesitate to revisit this guide whenever you need clarification!

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