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When it comes to irregular plural nouns in English, few are more confusing than foreman. Is it foremen or foremans? The answer might surprise you if you’re not familiar with certain pluralization rules that apply to specific endings like -man.
In this guide, you’ll discover the correct plural of foreman, learn why “foremen” is right, see usage examples, and explore similar words that follow the same pattern. Let’s dive into the world of irregular plural nouns ending in -man, where knowing the rule can make all the difference.
What Is the Plural of Foreman?
The plural of foreman is foremen — not foremans. This change follows a common rule in English where nouns ending in -man often transform to -men in their plural forms.
Correct: foremen
Incorrect: foremans
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Quick Definitions:
- Foreman: A person in charge of a group of workers, especially on a construction site, factory floor, or in a jury.
- Foremen: The plural form, referring to multiple people holding the role of foreman.
This distinction matters in both written and spoken English. Using foremans instead of foremen can mark your writing as incorrect or unpolished.
Why “Foremen” and Not “Foremans”?
Let’s break this down. English is full of rules — and exceptions. The word foreman follows a historical pattern where compound nouns ending in -man take -men in the plural form.
This is why we say:
- Policemen (not policemans)
- Chairmen (not chairmans)
- Fishermen (not fishermans)
The same logic applies to foreman. So, the correct plural foreman is always foremen.
Comparison Table: Singular vs. Plural Forms
| Singular | Correct Plural | Incorrect Form |
|---|---|---|
| Foreman | Foremen | Foremans |
| Policeman | Policemen | Policemans |
| Chairman | Chairmen | Chairmans |
| Fisherman | Fishermen | Fishermans |
These are all irregular plural nouns ending in -man, and they don’t follow the standard -s or -es rule.
How to Pluralize “Foreman”: Simple Rule Explained
When a noun ends in -man and refers to a person’s role, you typically change -man to -men in the plural. This rule helps maintain consistency across various occupational titles.
Examples That Follow This Rule:
- Salesman → Salesmen
- Businessman → Businessmen
- Spokesman → Spokesmen
- Fireman → Firemen
- Postman → Postmen
Exceptions to Man → Men Rule:
Not all -man words follow this pattern. Some are exceptions because the -man doesn’t refer to a person, or the meaning is not gender-based.
Examples:
- Human → Humans (Not Humen)
- Shaman → Shamans
- Batman → Batmans (Proper noun, branding exception)
- Snowman → Snowmen (follows the rule, but context matters)
Always check a dictionary when in doubt. But for job titles like foreman, use foremen.
Foreman vs. Foremen: Usage in Real Sentences
Understanding foreman vs foremen usage gets easier when you see both in context. Let’s look at how to use these terms properly.
Examples of Foremen in a Sentence:
- The foremen met in the conference room to discuss project delays.
- Several foremen across different departments reported the same safety concerns.
- We hired two new foremen for the steelworks division.
Examples with Singular “Foreman”:
- The foreman gave clear instructions to the crew.
- Our foreman ensures everyone wears proper safety gear.
- He worked as a foreman for over 15 years.
In each case, context tells you whether to use the plural form of foreman or the singular.
Pro tip: Don’t let the plural throw off your verb agreement. Foremen supervise, not foremen supervises.
What About “Forewoman” and Gender-Neutral Alternatives?
With growing attention to inclusive language, it’s important to consider gendered job titles.
Forewoman: Female Equivalent of Foreman
- Singular: Forewoman
- Plural: Forewomen
These terms are recognized and grammatically correct, though not always used in every industry.
Gender-Neutral Alternatives:
- Supervisor
- Team Lead
- Crew Leader
- Site Manager
Using a gender-neutral term may help avoid bias in formal writing, job postings, or professional documentation.
Many style guides recommend using supervisor unless gender specificity is relevant.
Other “-Man” Nouns That Follow the Same Rule
To understand how to pluralize foreman, it helps to look at similar professional titles. Many of them shift from -man to -men.
Table: Common Plurals of “-man” Professions
| Singular | Plural | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreman | Foremen | Supervisory role |
| Policeman | Policemen | Common law enforcement term |
| Chairman | Chairmen | Corporate/government roles |
| Fireman | Firemen | Emergency services |
| Spokesman | Spokesmen | Media/communication |
| Businessman | Businessmen | Commercial setting |
| Watchman | Watchmen | Often used in security roles |
These forms follow consistent English pluralization rules for “-man” words.
Common Mistakes with the Plural Form of Foreman
Mistakes happen — especially with tricky irregular nouns. Here are the most frequent errors related to this topic.
1: Using “Foremans”
- ❌ Three foremans were assigned to different shifts.
- ✅ Three foremen were assigned to different shifts.
2: Overcorrecting the Singular
- ❌ The company promoted one of the foremen.
- ✅ The company promoted one foreman.
3: Verb Disagreement
- ❌ The foremen supervises multiple teams.
- ✅ The foremen supervise multiple teams.
To avoid these errors, always double-check your plural forms and verb agreement.
Mini Quiz: Choose the Correct Plural
Test your knowledge with a few examples. Pick the correct plural for each noun:
| Singular Word | Correct Plural | Incorrect Option |
|---|---|---|
| Foreman | Foremen | Foremans |
| Policeman | Policemen | Policemans |
| Human | Humans | Humen |
| Chairman | Chairmen | Chairmans |
How did you do? If you picked all the words in the Correct Plural column, you’re on the right track.
FAQs About the Plural of Foreman
Can you ever use “foremans”?
Technically, no — at least not in formal or grammatically correct English. You might see foremans used in brand names or casual speech, but it’s not accepted in standard usage.
Is “foremen” still commonly used?
Yes. It’s widely used in industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics where supervisory roles exist.
Is “foremen” gender-neutral?
Not by default. Foremen is still seen as gendered, which is why some prefer supervisors or other inclusive alternatives.
What is the plural of forewoman?
The correct plural is forewomen.
Is “foremen” used in all industries?
While common in blue-collar settings, white-collar sectors may prefer terms like project manager, site lead, or operations supervisor.
Final Thoughts: Always Choose “Foremen” — Never “Foremans”
When pluralizing foreman, remember this simple rule:
Foreman → Foremen, never foremans.
Stick to this rule to sound polished, professional, and grammatically accurate.
Whether you’re updating a resume, writing a report, or managing a job posting, using the correct plural foreman shows attention to detail — and that matters.