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Urrgh...

I

imported_LoKe

Lifer
I've always heard that the plural form of proof is proofs but I refuse to speak that word. It just sounds so retarded. I'm under the impression the word "proof" can be used as a plural form aswell, or am I wrong once again?
 
proofs is plural

proof can be used to sum up a collection of items or something that proves something...but its still singular...just like family
 
In the printing industry, proof refers to a proof sheet which is a trial impression of printed matter; if you had more than one proof sheet you would say proofs, just like you'd say pages when referring to more than one page.

And even if the usage of the word refers to other definitions of the word proof, such as compelling evidence in an arument, you'd still say proofs if you are referring to more than one item of evidence or proof.
 
But the word sounds so uneducated. I refuse to use it. 🙁
Would I be damned by an English teacher if I wrote "proof" instead of "proofs"?
 
Originally posted by: LoKe
But the word sounds so uneducated. I refuse to use it. 🙁
Would I be damned by an English teacher if I wrote "proof" instead of "proofs"?
Click to expand...

If so then the teacher would be wrong.
Either word can be used. I agree that in the printing and film industry they tend to use the word proofs when referring to the plural of the physical item of a proof, but in math and logic they tend to use the word proof for the plural of the conceptual item of several proof.
But I believe that in either case the forms can be interchanged and it is only because it is generally accepted usage that keeps it the way it is.

BTW- I just checked and MSWord2003 has no problem with me using the word proof as plural, and we all know that in any business that will be the deciding factor of how the word is actually used. :Q
 
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