Salmon swimming upstream, their scales glistening in the morning light, have captivated writers and speakers for generations. Yet, a curious linguistic puzzle surrounds these magnificent fish: what’s the correct plural form? Whether you’re drafting a formal research paper or sharing fishing tales with friends, understanding how to properly pluralize salmon can elevate your communication from good to exceptional.
In the world of language, some words dance to their own rhythm, and salmon is one of them. Like deer, sheep, and moose, salmon belongs to that fascinating category of nouns where the singular and plural forms often mirror each other. But there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Think of language as a flowing river – sometimes clear and straightforward, other times full of unexpected twists and turns. The plural of salmon exemplifies this perfectly, offering various correct forms depending on context, formality, and even regional preferences.
The Basic Rules of Pluralizing Salmon
When discussing these remarkable fish, you’ll encounter three main ways to form the plural of salmon:
- Salmon (unchanged plural)
- Salmons (adding ‘s’)
- Species of salmon (collective reference)
Using “Salmon” as an Unchanged Plural
Picture this: Sarah, a marine biologist, drafting an email to her colleagues:
Subject: Pacific Salmon Migration Study
Dear Research Team,
We observed fifteen salmon moving through the new fish ladder yesterday. These salmon showed typical migration patterns, though three salmon displayed unusual behavior...In formal scientific writing and professional communication, using “salmon” as both singular and plural remains the most widely accepted form. This plural form of salmon maintains clarity while adhering to traditional usage.
When to Use “Salmons”
Consider this casual text message between friends:
Hey Jake!
You won't believe it - caught three different salmons today! Got a chinook, a sockeye, and a coho. Sending pics now!
-MikeWhile some language purists might raise an eyebrow, “salmons” has gained acceptance in casual conversation, especially when emphasizing different species or types. This usage adds a conversational flavor that works well in informal settings.
Understanding Context and Usage
Formal Settings and Scientific Writing
In a research paper abstract:
“The study tracked 500 salmon across three tributaries, documenting their spawning patterns…”
Using the unchanged plural “salmon” in formal contexts:
- Academic papers
- Scientific reports
- Professional presentations
- Business communications
Casual and Creative Contexts
A food blog excerpt:
“Local fishermen brought in fresh salmons of all varieties – the market was buzzing with excitement!”
When “salmons” might work:
- Personal blogs
- Social media posts
- Informal conversations
- Creative writing
Species-Specific Considerations
Different Types of Salmon
When discussing various species, clarity becomes crucial. Here’s how you might handle it in a restaurant menu:
Today's Fresh Catch
- Wild Atlantic Salmon
- Pacific Sockeye Salmon
- King SalmonCollective References
For business inventory:
Monthly Stock Report
- 150 units of salmon (mixed species)
- 75 pieces of Atlantic salmon
- 200 salmon filletsProfessional Communication Examples
Email Examples
Formal:
Subject: Quarterly Salmon Population Report
Dear Dr. Thompson,
Our team has monitored 1,200 salmon during this spawning season...Casual:
Subject: Weekend Fishing Success!
Hi Team,
The different salmons are really biting this weekend! Anyone up for a fishing trip?Creative Writing and Storytelling
In creative contexts, both forms can add different flavors to your writing:
“The salmons leaped through the sparkling stream, their scales flashing like newly minted coins…” (More casual, emphasizing individuality)
“The mighty salmon moved as one, a silver army advancing upstream…” (More formal, emphasizing collective movement)
Regional and Cultural Variations
Different English-speaking regions may favor certain forms:
- British English tends to prefer the unchanged “salmon”
- American English accepts both forms, depending on context
- Australian English shows similar flexibility
Pro Tips for Perfect Usage
- Consider your audience
- Match the formality of your setting
- Maintain consistency within a single document
- Use context clues to guide your choice
- When in doubt, opt for the unchanged “salmon”
Style Guide and Usage Examples
Modern Business Writing
Quarterly Report:
"Our salmon exports increased by 25% this quarter..."Scientific Documentation
Research Notes:
"Tagged 50 salmon at Site A, observed 43 salmon return..."Marketing Copy
Advertisement:
"Fresh salmons daily! Choose from five varieties..."Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing forms within the same document
- Using “salmons” in formal scientific writing
- Forgetting context-appropriate usage
- Inconsistent capitalization in species names
Frequently Asked Question
What is salmon in plural form?
The plural of “salmon” is simply “salmon.” The word remains the same in both its singular and plural forms.
What do you call more than one salmon?
More than one salmon is still called salmon. The word “salmon” is both the singular and plural form. So, whether you have one fish or a group of them, it’s correct to refer to them simply as salmon.
What do you call a group of salmon?
A group of salmon is called a run, particularly when they are migrating to spawn. Some also refer to a group of salmon as a school or a shoal, which are general terms used for groups of fish.
What is the plural of fish?
The plural of fish can be either fish or fishes.
- Fish is typically used when referring to multiple individuals of the same species (e.g., “I saw many fish in the pond”).
- Fishes is used when referring to different species of fish collectively (e.g., “The aquarium has many fishes from around the world”).
Conclusion
The plural form of salmon reflects the beautiful complexity of the English language. Like the fish itself, which adapts to both fresh and salt water, the word’s plural form adapts to different contexts. Whether you choose “salmon” or “salmons,” understanding your audience and setting remains key.
Emily Olivia is an experienced writer specializing in grammar and English language topics. With a passion for clarity and precision, she shares valuable insights on synonyms, grammar rules, and writing tips to help readers enhance their language skills on Grammar Path.
