Is Police Plural or Singular?
When referring to the police, we often find ourselves pondering whether the term "police" is singular or plural. This may seem like a trivial question, but it can be quite confusing, especially in written communication. In this article, we will delve into the history and linguistics of the term "police" to provide a clear answer to this question.
Direct Answer
The direct answer is: Police is singular.
However, before we dive into the explanation, let’s look at the common practices and arguments presented by both sides:
- Pluralist arguments:
- "Police" ends with the suffix "-ce", which is typically associated with plural nouns (e.g., "ance", "ence", "ice", etc.).
- Some argue that since a group of police officers is typically referred to as "officers", the term "police" should also be pluralized to maintain consistency.
- Singularist arguments:
- The term "police" originated from the French word "police", which is singular.
- Many authorities and style guides, including the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend treating "police" as a singular noun.
Historical and Linguistic Background
The term "police" has its roots in ancient Greece, where the concept of law enforcement was introduced. The Greek word "politeia" (πολιτεία) referred to the management of the city and its inhabitants. This idea was later adopted by the French, who used the term "police" to describe the system of law and order in the city. Over time, the term became synonymous with the people or department responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order.
Etymology
The French word "police" is derived from the Greek word "politeia", but it is interesting to note that the word’s etymology is not plural. In Latin, the language that had a significant influence on French, the word "politia" (polit-ē-ah) referred to the art of government and administration. The Latin form is also singular, not plural.
English Adoption
When the term "police" was borrowed into English, it retained its singular form. Early English texts, such as the 14th-century "Piers Plowman" by William Langland, use the singular form "police". This usage was consistent until the 19th century, when some writers began to use the plural form "polices".
Modern Practices and Style Guides
Despite the debates and arguments presented by both sides, most authorities and style guides recommend treating "police" as a singular noun. Some notable examples include:
- AP Stylebook: "Use police as a singular noun."
- Chicago Manual of Style: "Treat ‘police’ as a singular noun."
- MLA Handbook: "Police is a singular noun."
Tables and Charts
To summarize the various opinions and practices, we have created the following tables:
| Authority | Treatment |
|---|---|
| AP Stylebook | Singular |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Singular |
| MLA Handbook | Singular |
| Many writers and publications | Plural |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question "Is police plural or singular?" is singular. While there are arguments presented by both sides, the historical and linguistic background of the term "police" suggest that it is a singular noun. Most authorities and style guides recommend this usage, and it is consistent with early English texts. Ultimately, the decision to use a singular or plural form depends on personal preference, but it is essential to understand the history and linguistic nuances behind the term to make an informed decision.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- When referring to a group of police officers, use the plural form "officers".
- Use "police" as an adjective to describe something related to law enforcement (e.g., "police car", "police station").
- Avoid using the phrase "police are" when referring to the department or agency, instead use "police is" or rephrase the sentence to use the singular form.
By following these guidelines and understanding the history and linguistics of the term "police", you can effectively and accurately communicate with your audience.
