Plural of Xerox: Usage, Rules, Examples, and Common Mistakes Explained

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The term “Xerox” began as a brand name for a pioneering company in photocopy technology, but over time, it has become a common noun and verb in everyday English. Understanding how to correctly form and use the plural of nouns—especially those derived from brand names like “Xerox”—is vital for mastering English grammar. This knowledge is essential for clear communication in academic, professional, and informal settings. Whether you are a student, teacher, writer, editor, or English language learner, knowing how to pluralize “xerox” will help avoid common mistakes and improve your overall language proficiency. This comprehensive guide will explain the rules, provide numerous examples, clarify common errors, and offer practice exercises to ensure you can confidently use the plural of “xerox” in any context. Expect in-depth explanations, helpful tables, and advanced tips throughout this article.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1. What is “Xerox”?

The word “Xerox” originates from the name of the Xerox Corporation, an American company that revolutionized the photocopying industry in the 20th century. Over time, “Xerox” became a genericized trademark, used to refer not only to the brand but also to photocopiers and photocopies in general. In English, “xerox” can function as a noun (a photocopy), a verb (to photocopy), or even as an adjective (Xerox machine).

Many dictionaries now include “xerox” as both a common noun and verb, reflecting its widespread generic use. This linguistic process is called genericization, where a proprietary brand name becomes a general term for similar products or actions.

Table 1: “Xerox” as Proper Noun vs. Common Noun vs. Verb
Grammatical Role Example Sentence
Proper Noun (Brand Name) I bought a new Xerox printer for the office.
Common Noun Please hand me those xeroxes of the report.
Verb Can you xerox these pages for me?

3.2. What is the Plural Form of “Xerox”?

Pluralization in English is the process by which we indicate more than one of a noun. Most regular nouns form their plural by adding -s or -es. The focus of this article is how to correctly form and use the plural of “xerox.” The standard plural form is “xeroxes.”

3.3. “Xerox” as a Countable Noun

Nouns in English are either countable (can be counted, e.g., one apple, two apples) or uncountable (cannot be counted individually, e.g., water, information). “Xerox” is usually a countable noun when referring to individual photocopies or machines (e.g., “three xeroxes”). You can say “a xerox,” “two xeroxes,” or “several xeroxes,” just as you would with other countable nouns.

Examples:

  • I made five xeroxes of the contract.
  • She brought two xeroxes of her diploma.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1. General Rules for Pluralization in English

Most English nouns become plural by following regular patterns:

  • Add -s to most nouns: book → books
  • Add -es to nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, -sh: box → boxes
  • Change -y to -ies if preceded by a consonant: city → cities
  • Irregular nouns have unique forms: child → children
Table 2: Common Pluralization Patterns
Singular Plural Rule
book books Add -s
box boxes Add -es
baby babies -y to -ies
man men Irregular
xerox xeroxes Add -es

4.2. Specific Rule for “Xerox”

The noun “xerox” ends in -x, so it follows the regular pluralization rule for such nouns—add -es to form the plural. The correct plural is “xeroxes.”

Pronunciation: The singular is pronounced /ˈzɪə.rɒks/ (UK) or /ˈzɪr.ɑːks/ (US), and the plural “xeroxes” is /ˈzɪə.rɒk.sɪz/ (UK) or /ˈzɪr.ɑːk.sɪz/ (US).

Table 3: Singular vs. Plural “Xerox” with Phonetic Transcriptions
Form Spelling IPA (UK) IPA (US)
Singular xerox /ˈzɪə.rɒks/ /ˈzɪr.ɑːks/
Plural xeroxes /ˈzɪə.rɒk.sɪz/ /ˈzɪr.ɑːk.sɪz/

4.3. Plural “Xerox” in Context

The meaning of “xeroxes” depends on context. It can refer to multiple photocopies, multiple machines, or (rarely) multiple brands.

  • Photocopies: “Please hand in two xeroxes of your ID.”
  • Machines: “The office has three xeroxes for staff use.”
  • Brands: “Several Xeroxes dominate the market.” (uncommon, usually “Xerox machines” is preferred)

4.4. Pluralization of Brand Names

When a brand name becomes a common noun, it generally follows regular pluralization rules. Compare “xeroxes” with other brand-derived nouns:

  • Kleenex → Kleenexes (tissues)
  • Band-Aid → Band-Aids (adhesive bandages)
  • Hoover → Hoovers (vacuum cleaners)
Table 4: Brand Names and Their Plural Forms
Brand Name Common Noun Usage Plural Form
Xerox photocopy xeroxes
Kleenex tissue kleenexes
Band-Aid adhesive bandage band-aids
Hoover vacuum cleaner hoovers

5. Types or Categories

5.1. “Xerox” as a Common Noun

As a common noun, “xerox” refers to photocopies (usually on paper). The plural is “xeroxes.”

  • Singular: “I need a xerox of this receipt.”
  • Plural: “She made three xeroxes for the application.”

5.2. “Xerox” as a Brand Name

When “Xerox” is used as a proper noun (the company name), it is rarely pluralized. However, in some contexts, such as referring to multiple products or machines from the brand, “Xeroxes” may appear.

  • “The office bought two new Xeroxes last week.” (referring to machines)

Note: Most style guides recommend using “Xerox machines” or “Xerox copiers” instead.

5.3. “Xerox” as a Verb

As a verb, “xerox” means “to photocopy.” Verbs do not have plural forms, but they are conjugated for tense and aspect.

Table 5: “Xerox” as a Verb (All Forms)
Form Example Sentence
Base Please xerox this for me.
Third person singular She xeroxes the papers every morning.
Present participle He is xeroxing the report.
Past simple They xeroxed the documents yesterday.
Past participle The files have been xeroxed.

5.4. “Xerox” as an Adjective

“Xerox” can be used as an attributive adjective to describe a noun (e.g., “Xerox machine”). Adjectives do not take plural forms, but the noun they modify may be pluralized.

  • Singular: “I need the Xerox machine.”
  • Plural: “All Xerox machines are being serviced.”

5.5. Pluralization in Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In formal writing (academic and business), “xeroxes” is less commonly used; “photocopies” is usually preferred. In informal speech or writing, “xeroxes” is more acceptable.

  • Formal: “Please submit three photocopies of your resume.”
  • Informal: “Can you get me a few xeroxes of this?”

6. Examples Section

6.1. Basic Singular and Plural Examples

Below are examples illustrating the singular and plural forms of “xerox” in simple sentences:

Table 6: Singular vs. Plural “Xerox” in Sentences
Singular Example Plural Example
I need a xerox of this document. I need two xeroxes of this document.
She made a xerox for the teacher. She made several xeroxes for the teacher.
This xerox is not clear. These xeroxes are not clear.
Where is my xerox? Where are my xeroxes?
Please take the xerox to the office. Please take the xeroxes to the office.
He lost the xerox. He lost the xeroxes.
This is a fresh xerox. These are fresh xeroxes.
I received one xerox. I received multiple xeroxes.
The xerox is ready. The xeroxes are ready.
She forgot her xerox. She forgot her xeroxes.

6.2. Usage in Different Contexts

See how “xeroxes” is used in various settings:

Table 7: Contextual Examples
Context Example Sentence
Academic Submit two xeroxes of your certificate with your application.
Business We need five xeroxes for the meeting handouts.
Informal Can you make some xeroxes for me?
Library The librarian provided xeroxes of the reference material.
Education The teacher distributed xeroxes of the worksheet to the class.

6.3. Examples with Quantifiers

Quantifiers help specify the number of “xeroxes.”

Table 8: Quantifiers with “Xeroxes”
Quantifier Example Sentence
several He made several xeroxes of the blueprint.
many Many xeroxes were required for the conference.
a few I only need a few xeroxes for my files.
dozens of They prepared dozens of xeroxes for distribution.
two She gave me two xeroxes of the form.
hundreds of Hundreds of xeroxes were made for the event.

6.4. Examples with Adjectives and Modifiers

Descriptive words can be used with “xeroxes” to clarify meaning.

Table 9: Adjective-Noun Combinations
Adjective + “Xeroxes” Example Sentence
old xeroxes The old xeroxes were faded and hard to read.
faded xeroxes All I have are these faded xeroxes.
duplicate xeroxes Please keep duplicate xeroxes for the records.
extra xeroxes We made extra xeroxes in case someone loses theirs.
fresh xeroxes She handed out fresh xeroxes to everyone.
colored xeroxes Colored xeroxes are useful for presentations.

6.5. Advanced Example Sentences

Here are ten advanced or compound sentences using “xeroxes”:

  1. Although the xeroxes were made only yesterday, some pages were already missing.
  2. After reviewing the xeroxes, the committee requested additional originals for verification.
  3. Because the xeroxes were unclear, the students had trouble finishing their assignments.
  4. In addition to the xeroxes, please submit digital copies by email.
  5. He organized the xeroxes alphabetically to ensure easy access during the meeting.
  6. Once the xeroxes are distributed, everyone should sign the attendance sheet.
  7. Despite making multiple xeroxes, the quality of the images remained poor.
  8. Each department is responsible for maintaining its own set of xeroxes for audit purposes.
  9. Because she needed reference material, she made xeroxes of every important article in the journal.
  10. Whenever the xeroxes ran out, the assistant would quickly make more to avoid delays.

6.6. Comparative Examples: Other Brand Names

Brand names that have become generic nouns often follow the same pluralization rules as “xerox.”

Table 10: Comparative Usage of Brand Names
Brand Generic Noun Singular Example Plural Example
Xerox photocopy Hand me a xerox. Hand me those xeroxes.
Kleenex tissue I need a Kleenex. I need some kleenexes.
Band-Aid adhesive bandage Do you have a Band-Aid? We need more Band-Aids.
Hoover vacuum cleaner This is a new hoover. There are two hoovers in the storeroom.
Photocopy photocopy This photocopy is clear. These photocopies are clear.

7. Usage Rules

7.1. Forming the Plural of “Xerox”

To form the plural of “xerox,” follow these steps:

  1. Start with the singular noun: xerox.
  2. Since it ends in -x, add -es: xerox + es = xeroxes.

Rule: For nouns ending in -x, always add -es to form the plural.

Table 11: Words Ending in “-x” and Their Plurals
Singular Plural
box boxes
fox foxes
xerox xeroxes
tax taxes
axis axes

7.2. Pronunciation of “Xeroxes”

“Xeroxes” is pronounced as follows:

  • UK: /ˈzɪə.rɒk.sɪz/
  • US: /ˈzɪr.ɑːk.sɪz/

Stress pattern: First syllable is stressed: ZE-rox-es.

7.3. Capitalization Rules

Use capital “X” when referring to the brand name (Xerox Corporation or official products). Use lowercase “x” when referring to generic photocopies or the verb.

Table 12: Capitalization in Sentences
Context Correct Capitalization
Brand I bought a Xerox printer.
Generic noun (photocopy) Please make some xeroxes for me.
Generic verb Can you xerox this document?

7.4. Using “Xeroxes” in Sentences

Ensure subject-verb agreement and proper placement of “xeroxes” in sentences.

  • Correct: “The xeroxes are on the desk.” (plural subject, plural verb)
  • Incorrect: “The xeroxes is on the desk.”

Other structures:

  • “We made xeroxes of all the important documents.”
  • “Have the xeroxes been distributed yet?”
  • “There are xeroxes in every file folder.”

7.5. Register and Formality

In formal English, “photocopies” is often preferred to “xeroxes.” In business and casual English, “xeroxes” may be used, especially in regions where the term is widely recognized.

  • Formal: “Please submit three photocopies.”
  • Informal: “Can you make me a few xeroxes?”

Alternatives: “photocopies,” “duplicates,” “copies.”

7.6. Pluralization in Non-Standard English

In some regions, especially in South Asia, “xerox” is commonly used as a synonym for “photocopy,” and “xeroxes” is widely accepted, even in semi-formal contexts. However, in standard American and British English, “photocopies” is preferred in formal writing.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1. Incorrect Plural Forms

Common mistakes include:

  • xeroxs (missing “e” in “-es”)
  • xerox’s (apostrophe misuse—this is possessive, not plural)
  • xeroxi (incorrect “i” plural, not used in English)

8.2. Confusing Brand and Generic Usage

Avoid using “Xeroxes” when you mean generic photocopies if the context is formal or brand-specific.

  • Incorrect: “I made Xeroxes of my homework.” (unless referring to branded copies)
  • Correct: “I made xeroxes of my homework.”

8.3. Incorrect Capitalization

Do not capitalize “xerox” when used as a verb or generic noun unless it starts a sentence.

  • Incorrect: “Can you Xerox these pages?”
  • Correct: “Can you xerox these pages?”

8.4. Substituting the Verb for the Noun

Incorrect: “I need three xeroxed.”
Correct: “I need three xeroxes.”

8.5. Overgeneralization with Other Brands

Do not apply the “xeroxes” pattern to unrelated words that do not follow the same rules.

  • Incorrect: “I have two pepsies.” (should be “Pepsis” or “Pepsi cans”)
  • Incorrect: “Give me five boses.” (should be “Bose speakers” or “Bose headphones”)

8.6. Misusing Plurals in Formal Writing

Avoid “xeroxes” in formal writing; use “photocopies” instead.

  • Incorrect (formal): “Submit three xeroxes.”
  • Correct (formal): “Submit three photocopies.”

8.7. Example Table: Common Mistakes and Corrections

Table 13: Common Mistakes and Corrections
Incorrect Usage Correct Usage
xeroxs xeroxes
xerox’s xeroxes
Xeroxes (for generic copies, informal) xeroxes (lowercase for generic)
I need three xeroxed. I need three xeroxes.
Submit xeroxes (academic) Submit photocopies (academic)
xeroxi xeroxes

9. Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

  1. Please make two ______ of this page. (xerox)
  2. How many ______ do you need for the project? (xerox)
  3. She handed me three ______ of the form. (xerox)
  4. There are five ______ in the pile. (xerox)
  5. I need a clear ______ for my files. (xerox)
  6. All the ______ were distributed before lunch. (xerox)
  7. The teacher asked for several ______ of our assignments. (xerox)
  8. This ______ is difficult to read. (xerox)
  9. We made extra ______ just in case. (xerox)
  10. Where did you put the ______? (xerox)

Answer Key:

  1. xeroxes
  2. xeroxes
  3. xeroxes
  4. xeroxes
  5. xerox
  6. xeroxes
  7. xeroxes
  8. xerox
  9. xeroxes
  10. xerox

9.2. Identify and Correct the Error

Each sentence contains an error related to “xerox.” Find and correct it.

  1. He made three xeroxs for the meeting.
  2. I need xerox’s of all the transcripts.
  3. She xeroxed five papers and gave me the xeroxed.
  4. Can you make me some Xeroxes of this page?
  5. Please send xeroxi to the HR department.
  6. The xeroxes is on my desk.
  7. We need xerox’s for everyone.
  8. All xeroxs were blurry.
  9. Could you xerox these and give me the xeroxed?
  10. Submit three xeroxes for your application. (formal academic context)

Answer Key:

  1. xeroxs → xeroxes
  2. xerox’s → xeroxes
  3. xeroxed → xeroxes
  4. Xeroxes → xeroxes
  5. xeroxi → xeroxes
  6. xeroxes is → xeroxes are
  7. xerox’s → xeroxes
  8. xeroxs → xeroxes
  9. xeroxed → xeroxes
  10. xeroxes → photocopies

9.3. Pluralization Drill

Write the plural forms:

  1. xerox
  2. box
  3. fox
  4. photo
  5. baby
  6. tax
  7. axis
  8. glass
  9. copy
  10. class

Answer Key:

  1. xeroxes
  2. boxes
  3. foxes
  4. photos
  5. babies
  6. taxes
  7. axes
  8. glasses
  9. copies
  10. classes

9.4. Sentence Construction

Write a sentence using the plural “xeroxes.”

  • Sample answer: “I made five xeroxes of the report for each team member.”

Other possible answers:

  • “The xeroxes were ready before the meeting started.”
  • “These xeroxes are too faded to read.”
  • “She handed out xeroxes to the entire class.”

9.5. Multiple Choice Questions

  1. What is the correct plural of “xerox”?
    a) xeroxs
    b) xeroxes
    c) xeroxi
    d) xerox’s
  2. Which sentence is correct?
    a) I made two xeroxs.
    b) I made two xeroxes.
    c) I made two xeroxi.
    d) I made two xerox’s.
  3. Choose the best word for formal academic writing:
    a) xeroxes
    b) photocopies
    c) xerox’s
    d) xeroxed
  4. Which is the correct subject-verb agreement?
    a) The xeroxes is on the desk.
    b) The xeroxes are on the desk.
    c) The xeroxes be on the desk.
    d) The xeroxes was on the desk.
  5. What is the plural of “box”?
    a) boxes
    b) boxs
    c) boxies
    d) box’s

Answer Key:

  1. b) xeroxes
  2. b) I made two xeroxes.
  3. b) photocopies
  4. b) The xeroxes are on the desk.
  5. a) boxes

9.6. Table Exercise

Match each singular noun with its correct plural form:

Table 14: Singular and Plural Matching
Singular Plural
xerox xeroxes
box boxes
baby babies
copy copies
fox foxes
class classes
glass glasses
axis axes
photo photos

10. Advanced Topics

In legal documents, “Xerox” should be treated as a trademark and capitalized. Pluralization is rare—prefer “Xerox copiers” over “Xeroxes.” Using the trademark as a generic noun can risk legal challenges from the company enforcing its brand identity.

10.2. Semantic Shift and Linguistic Borrowing

“Xerox” has undergone semantic shift from a specific brand to a generic term for photocopies, especially in some English varieties. This process, known as genericization, influences pluralization and usage patterns, making “xeroxes” acceptable in informal contexts.

10.3. International English Variations

In Indian English and other South Asian varieties, “xerox” is widely used for any photocopy, and “xeroxes” is common even in semi-formal settings. In American and British English, “photocopy” is the standard term in formal and academic English.

10.4. Corpus Data and Usage Frequency

Analysis from corpora such as COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English) and BNC (British National Corpus) shows “xeroxes” is far less frequent than “photocopies,” especially in formal texts. Its use is more common in spoken and informal registers, particularly in regions familiar with the brand.

10.5. Pluralization of Other Genericized Brand Names

Other brand names that have become common nouns follow similar pluralization rules:

  • thermos → thermoses
  • hoover → hoovers
  • escalator → escalators
  • jacuzzi → jacuzzis
  • kleenex → kleenexes

The key is regular pluralization based on the noun’s ending.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the correct plural form of “xerox”?
    The correct plural form is “xeroxes.”
  2. Is “xeroxes” accepted in formal English?
    “Xeroxes” is generally not preferred in formal writing; “photocopies” is more appropriate.
  3. Can “Xerox” (the brand) be pluralized?
    Rarely. Use “Xerox machines” or “Xerox copiers” instead of “Xeroxes” to avoid confusion.
  4. How do you pronounce “xeroxes”?
    UK: /ˈzɪə.rɒk.sɪz/, US: /ˈzɪr.ɑːk.sɪz/, with the stress on the first syllable.
  5. Is “xerox” a countable or uncountable noun?
    “Xerox” is countable when referring to individual photocopies or machines.
  6. Can “xerox” be used as a verb, and does it have a plural form?
    Yes, “xerox” can be a verb (“to xerox”), but verbs do not have plural forms; they are conjugated by tense and subject.
  7. Are there any exceptions to the pluralization rule for “xerox”?
    No, “xerox” follows the standard rule for nouns ending in -x: add -es to form the plural.
  8. How should I capitalize “xerox” in my writing?
    Capitalize “Xerox” for the brand or company; use lowercase “xerox” for the generic noun or verb.
  9. Are there alternatives to using “xeroxes” in academic or business contexts?
    Yes, use “photocopies,” “copies,” or “duplicates” in formal or professional writing.
  10. What are common mistakes when pluralizing “xerox”?
    Errors include writing “xeroxs,” “xerox’s,” or “xeroxi” instead of “xeroxes.”
  11. How is the plural of “xerox” used in British vs. American English?
    Both use “xeroxes” occasionally in informal speech, but “photocopies” is the preferred term in formal contexts.
  12. Can I use “xeroxed copies” instead of “xeroxes”?
    Yes, “xeroxed copies” is acceptable and sometimes clearer, especially in formal or business writing.

12. Conclusion

In summary, the word “xerox” has evolved from a brand name to a common term for photocopies and photocopying. The correct plural form is “xeroxes”, following standard English pluralization rules for nouns ending in -x. Remember to use “xeroxes” for multiple copies in informal contexts, but switch to “photocopies” in academic or professional writing. Be mindful of capitalization, especially when referring to the brand, and avoid common mistakes like “xeroxs” or “xeroxi.” Practicing the rules and examples provided here will help you communicate more clearly and accurately. Mastering the pluralization of brand names, including “xerox,” is a valuable skill for precise and professional English. For further study, explore plural forms of other genericized trademarks or delve into advanced noun usage in English. Apply these rules and tips in your own writing and speech for effective communication!

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