The spelling of the plural of "fox" can pose a challenge for English learners due to the irregularities in the formation of plurals. The word "fox" is pronounced as /fɒks/ with a silent "e". To form the plural "foxes", we add -es to the end of the word, pronounced as /fɒksɪz/. The sounds /ɪz/ are added due to the final consonant cluster "xes", which requires an extra vowel sound to ensure proper pronunciation. Mastering the spelling and pronunciation of irregular plurals like "foxes" is essential for effective communication in English.
Foxes are small to medium-sized mammals belonging to the Canidae family. They are known for their distinctive appearance, characterized by their bushy tail, pointed ears, and attractive coat, which typically ranges in color from shades of red to grey or brown.
Foxes are widely distributed across the globe, found in a diverse range of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. They are known for their adaptability and cleverness, exhibiting great survival skills in various environments.
These mammals are omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. They have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetables. Known for their agility and speed, they possess excellent hunting abilities, often pouncing on their prey from a concealed position.
Foxes are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are primarily active during the night. They possess exceptional hearing and a keen sense of smell, which aid them in locating food and sensing potential dangers. Furthermore, they are highly territorial animals, marking their space with scent to protect their territory and communicate with other foxes.
In addition to their physical characteristics, foxes are widely known for their intelligence and cunning nature. They are often associated with folklore and literature due to their reputation as sly and clever creatures. Foxes are known for their ability to outsmart their prey and predators alike, employing various strategies to survive in their habitats.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "foxes" is derived from the Old English word "fox", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fuhsaz". This Proto-Germanic word is related to the Old High German word "fūhs" and Old Norse word "foa", both meaning "fox". The origins of "fuhsaz" are uncertain, but it is generally believed to have Indo-European roots. Ultimately, the etymology of the word "foxes" is intertwined with the development of the Germanic languages and their linguistic ancestors.