Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (2023)

Last Updated on March 5, 2023

Tomatos or tomatoes? What should more than one tomato be called? You may sometimes find it not so easy to remember how to spell some words because pluralization in English can at times be complicated. But you can still find an easy way to remember how to spell most of these words.

Tomatoes are one delicious fruit that contains a good amount of essential nutrients for human development. It is often believed that tomato is a type of vegetable. But technically speaking, it is a fruit that is derived from the tomato plant.

Most people often get the spelling of the delicious red food that goes by the name tomato wrong, especially when it comes to the plural spellings. When it comes to the spelling of some words in English, there are different rules to be followed, especially when it has to do with the construction of plural words.

In this post, we will compare tomatos and tomatoes and find out which is the correct spelling. So, let’s delve into this.

Table of Contents

Some Info About Tomato – Tomatos or Tomatoes

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The big, round, pulpy, tomato berry is from the genus Solanum of the nightshade family. There are more than ten thousand tomato varieties you can find.

The tomato is mostly red. However, some varieties can be yellow, orange, pink, black, green, or purple. But what we mostly see is usually red tomatoes.

If you wish to see or find a multiple-color variety of tomato, you can just head to your local farm shop or greengrocer.

Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (1)

As we mentioned earlier, tomato is a type of fruit but sometimes it can be regarded as a type of vegetable. So, it is an edible fruit that can be eaten raw and integrated into foods like salads, or you can cook them in different meals.

This tomato fruit is loaded with many great nutritional benefits. This includes being a great source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants that can help get rid of toxins.

This great-tasting fruit is also rich in lycopene which is available to us naturally. This lycopene is a very strong antioxidant that is crucial for the health of the prostate gland that is found in men. Also, some reports have claimed that lycopene can minimize and protect against certain types of cancer.

Tomatos or Tomatoes: Which is the Correct Plural Form?

It’s general knowledge to always add –s to noun words when you’re referring to the word in the plural. However, this may not be the case for some words.

Generally, when it comes to spelling nouns in English words that end with –o, the plural form of the word often ends with –s added to the words. For example, we have words like -zoos, patios, radios, studios, embryos, avocados, tacos, videos, and so on that end with –s. However, this is not the case for words like a tomato that ends with –s.

Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (2)

Some people usually make the mistake of adding –s to tomato when it comes to using tomato in the plural. But this is wrong. This is mostly because the singular word for ‘tomato’ doesn’t contain –e at the end of the word. So, it can be understandable when some people get the plural spelling wrong by just adding –s to the end of the word.

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However, the ideal or correct way of spelling tomato in the plural form is to add –es. Hence, the correct spelling for the plural of tomato is tomatoes.

Other words ending with –o, just like a tomato, also fall into this same category of adding –es to form plural words. Below is a list of other words apart from tomato that also ends with –o that needs –us to be added to the end of their words to form the plural word:

  • Potatoes
  • Heroes
  • Torpedoes
  • Mosquitoes
  • Echoes
  • Vetoes
  • Buffaloes

Tomato or Tomatoe: Which is the Correct Singular Form?

It’s understandable if some people get the spelling of tomato confused. This is why we need to know what the right spelling is.

The correct singular spelling is “tomato.” The singular form or spelling of tomato doesn’t require the addition of ‘e’ to it.

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Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (3)

Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Tomatos or Tomatoes

Tomatoes are wonderful food that can offer us great nutritional benefits that can aid in proper body functioning. Some of these benefits include:

  • Tomatoes are a wonderful source of vitamin C and vitamin K. It is also rich in potassium and folate (or vitamin B9).
  • Tomato can be beneficial to your blood pressure control and it can serve as a protection against heart disease. So, regular consumption of tomatoes can help reduce or protect against heart disease; which includes heart attacks and strokes.
  • They are a great source of fiber that can provide around 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.
  • These fruits are great antioxidants that can help flush out toxic radicals from your system.
  • The lycopene found in tomatoes can help reduce the risk of cancer as well as give some protection against cancer.
  • Your skin can also benefit from tomato use. For instance, food that is based on tomatoes is rich in lycopene as well as other plant compounds that may protect against sunburn. Some studies have even shown that individuals that consume 1.3 ounces (i.e. 40 grams) of tomato paste get about 16 grams of lycopene. Now, when this is combined with olive oil every day for 10 weeks, it can cause 40% fewer sunburns.

Nutritional Value of Tomatoes

You may be wondering what the nutritional value is when it comes to tomatoes. Let’s take a closer look. Every 100g of tomatoes contains the following:

  • calories: 18
  • fat: less than 1g
  • cholesterol: 0mg
  • sodium: 5mg
  • carbohydrates: 3.9g
  • fiber: 1.2g
  • protein: less than 1g

Popular Varieties of Tomatoes

There are hundreds of varieties of tomatoes; big and small, ranging in color and flavor. But some varieties are more popular than others. Let’s take a closer look.

  • Roma Tomatoes. You may know Roma tomatoes better than plum tomatoes. These types of tomatoes are usually somewhere between small and medium in size. They’re usually sweet, plump, and flavorful. Perfect for soups and salads.
  • Cherry Tomatoes. They’re small tomatoes that tend to explode with flavor as you eat them. I find that these tomatoes work well as a snack, or in sauces.
  • Beefsteak Tomatoes. These are large and plump in size. These work great for when you’re looking for tomato slices to add to your burgers. They’re often mild in flavor, but very juicy.
  • Heirloom Tomatoes. These tomatoes aren’t typically uniform, coming in a selection of sizes and colors. These tomatoes are usually sweet and rich in flavor. These tomatoes work well in any dish and are known as the “purest” tomatoes.
  • Vine Tomatoes. As the name suggests, they grow on the vine and are then sold that way. This means that they’ll be as fresh as possible when you pick them off the vine. They’re versatile and can be used in many dishes.
  • Green Tomatoes. Green tomatoes can either be ripened or unripened; depending on the variety. Green tomatoes are surprisingly common in the US. They have a different taste from usual tomatoes and they can even be quite sour. They’re typically firm, but not as juicy as other varieties.
  • Grape Tomatoes. These are the smallest cherries. They aren’t particularly juicy, but because of their size, you may not want to use them in cooking and they may be best suited as a snack.

Tomatoes Tomatos Saying

You may have weird the expression, “tomato, tomahto”, or, “potayto, potahto”; both of which are used interchangeably. It simply means that you have differences, but you’ll have to agree to disagree.

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As well as this, it was also made famous in a popular song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, called Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. The lyrics are, “you like potayto, I like potahto, you like tomayto, and I like tomahto, potayto, potahto, tomayto, tomahto, let’s call the whole thing off”. This is essentially saying that we have our differences, but let’s settle this now and stop.

It is also a cultural difference. British people tend to see “tomahto”, whereas Americans tend to say “tomayto”. Either way is correct!

Do You Say: Some Tomato or Some Tomatoes?

If you have more than one tomato, you should say some tomatoes, rather than some tomato. Some tomato does not make grammatical sense and should not be used when you have more than one tomato.

Tomato Plural Dictionary – What Does the Dictionary Say?

If you take a look at dictionary.com, tomato is described as a noun, and the plural for a tomato is to·ma·toes.

Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (4)

Final Say – Tomatos or Tomatoes

Even though there may be different ways of tomato pronunciations, the right spelling must be followed. So, when it comes to spelling tomato, there is only one way to spell this word. The word tomato is often misspelled and this is common when it comes to their plural spellings. But ‘tomato’ is the correct singular spelling, while ‘tomatoes’ is the correct plural spelling.

Do you know of any other words that end in -o, that are then added with an -es plural? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

FAQs

Which is correct tomatos or tomatoes?

People often misuse or misspell the word 'tomato particularly when it has to do with the plural spelling. Even though most words that ends with -o usually have s added to their back when it comes to their plural spelling, this isn't the case for tomato. So,'Tomatoes is the correct spelling for the plural of the word tomato.

How to spell tomatoes or tomatos?

The singular spelling for tomato is ‘tomato’ then the plural is spelled ‘tomatoes.’ So, take note not to get these confused.

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Do you say tomatoes or tomatos?

Often times words that ends with -o have -s added to them when we want to spell them in their plural form. For example, videos, radios, tacos, and so on. But for the case of tomato that also ends with -o, the plural form is totally different. The correct plural word is tomatoes.

Why is tomatoes spelled with an E?

Tomatoes is spelled with E because this is the way the plural of tomato is spelled. Instead of adding -s to the back of the 'tomato' word, -es is added to form the plural word for tomato.

Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural? - Grower Today (5)

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FAQs

Which is correct tomatos or tomatoes? ›

The correct plural form of 'tomato' is 'tomatoes'.

What is the correct plural form of tomato? ›

tomatoes - Simple English Wiktionary.

What is the irregular plural of tomato? ›

Irregular plural nouns are nouns that do not become plural by adding -s or -es, as most nouns in the English language do.
...
Nouns ending in -o.
Singular (-o)Plural (-oes)
potatopotatoes
tomatotomatoes
heroheroes
torpedotorpedoes
1 more row

What is the plural form of the tomato is in the basket? ›

The plural of tomato is always tomatoes.

How do you use tomatoes in a sentence? ›

Examples from Collins dictionaries

She cut up tomatoes for a salad. The sandwich is served with lettuce and tomatoes. The red sauce is made from tomatoes and herbs.

How do you say multiple tomatoes? ›

The plural form of tomato is tomatoes. ... Other plurals formed by adding -es to words ending with -o are echoes, torpedoes and vetoes.

Which is the correct plural form? ›

The correct spelling of plurals usually depends on what letter the singular noun ends in. 1 To make regular nouns plural, add –s to the end. 2 If the singular noun ends in –s, –ss, –sh, –ch, –x, or –z, add -es to the end to make it plural.

What is the plural of ketchup? ›

Noun. ketchup (countable and uncountable, plural ketchups)

Why are tomatoes not Tomatos? ›

Tomatos is an incorrect pluralization of tomato. Some English words that end in O form plurals by adding -s, like volcanos and zoos. Other words, like potato and tomato, form plurals with -es, making potatoes and tomatoes, respectively.

What is the plural of potatoes? ›

potato. Plural. potatoes. A pile of potatoes. The plural form of potato; more than one (kind of) potato.

Why does the plural of tomato have an E? ›

Potato and tomato belong to a set of nouns that end with the letter -o that form plurals by adding -es. Other plurals formed by adding -es to words ending with -o are echoes, torpedoes and vetoes. Help Us Improve!

What did Native Americans call tomatoes? ›

Tomatoes

In Nahuatl, the Aztec language, tomatoes are called tomatl, which the Spanish translated as tomate.

What is the plural of avocado? ›

The farmers came up with a new name: avocado. They informed dictionary publishers of the change — and that the plural was spelled "avocados," not "avocadoes" — and named their own group the California Avocado Association.

What is a group of tomatoes called? ›

Fruity Collective Nouns. Apples: bushel Bananas: bunch Coconuts: cluster Plums: basket Strawberries: patch Melons: bouquet Tomatoes: clutch.

What is a cluster of tomatoes called? ›

The fruit is vine-ripened, then harvested from “mother plants” still attached to their stems in groupings of 5 or 6 tomatoes called “trusses” or “clusters”. These tomatoes are prized for their uniform shape, size and rich red color.

What is a plural of deer? ›

/ (dɪə) / noun plural deer or deers.

What is the other use of tomatoes? ›

Known for its slightly sweet taste, its acidity and in most cases, its red color – although it may have other colors – tomatoes are a versatile food for cooking, and can be used as a base for savory dishes, pulps, juices, sauces and jams.

What are extra large tomatoes called? ›

Beefsteak tomatoes are some of the largest cultivated tomatoes around, with a meaty texture and intense, classic-tomato flavor. They're typically red or pink, certain varieties of beefsteak tomatoes yield purple, black, or yellow fruit.

Why is the plural of piano pianos? ›

The plural of piano is pianos "Piano" is a word of Italian origin and Italian words ending in "o" form the plural by adding only "s".

What is the plural of knife? ›

knife (plural knives)

Is it correct to say plural? ›

Re: it's + plural noun

If the Pronoun It refers to a singular word. Yes, it is correct!

How do you pluralize a name that ends in s? ›

Names are proper nouns, which become plurals the same way that other nouns do: add the letter -s for most names (“the Johnsons,” “the Websters”) or add -es if the name ends in s or z (“the Joneses,” “the Martinezes”).

What are 5 plural words? ›

Irregular plural nouns in English
  • child – children.
  • person – people.
  • man – men.
  • woman – women.
  • tooth – teeth.
  • foot – feet.
  • mouse – mice.
  • goose – geese.

What is the plural of McDonald's? ›

McDonald is really the singular, non-possessive noun. If you're talking about two McDonald's restaurants, the restaurant is the word that is holding your plural sense. I can't imagine ever saying "There are two McDonald's down the road."

What is the plural of soup? ›

soup (plural soups)

What is the plural of meatloaf? ›

meatloaf (countable and uncountable, plural meatloaves)

What is the plural of Fox? ›

Fox (plural Foxes)

What is the plural of kangaroo? ›

kangaroo. Plural. kangaroos. The plural form of kangaroo; more than one (kind of) kangaroo.

What is the plural of church? ›

church (countable and uncountable, plural churches)

What do you call plural Ducks? ›

Plural. ducks. Ducks. The plural form of duck; more than one (kind of) duck.

What is the plural of cucumber? ›

cucumber /ˈkjuːˌkʌmbɚ/ noun. plural cucumbers.

What is the plural of pumpkin? ›

pumpkin. Plural. pumpkins. The plural form of pumpkin; more than one (kind of) pumpkin.

Why do Americans say tomato differently? ›

Tomato originated from Central/South America where they call it tomate (pronounced as doh-'mah-deh) in Spanish. English borrowed the spelling, altered the ending a bit and kept the pronunciation as intact as possible, thus to-'mah-to.

What is the plural of potato UK? ›

/pəˈteɪ.t̬oʊ/ plural potatoes.

What is the plural of mango? ›

The Merriam-Webster dictionary does provide its preferred spellings, but ultimately lists either as correct. Here at the National Mango Board, we like to keep it easy, and we've decided to go with “mangos.”

What did Italians eat before tomatoes? ›

Before tomatoes, the Italian diet was largely similar to the diet throughout the rest of the Mediterranean. Bread, pasta, olives, and beans were all staples, and Italians also made a variety of different types of polenta.

Who was the first person to eat a tomato? ›

The tomato was eaten by the Aztecs as early as 700 AD and called the “tomatl,” (its name in Nahuatl), and wasn't grown in Britain until the 1590s.

What are old fashioned tomatoes called? ›

Red Heirloom Tomatoes:

The red tomatoes are often what people are thinking of when they ask for that “old-fashioned flavor”. Red heirloom tomatoes tend to have thinner skin than hybrids, making them less amenable to shipping, and a shorter life on your counter.

What is the plural of celery? ›

celery (usually uncountable, plural celeries)

How do you say Bacon plural? ›

bacons - Simple English Wiktionary.

What is the plural hippopotamus? ›

hippopotamus (plural hippopotami or hippopotamuses or hippopotamus) A large, semi-aquatic, herbivorous (plant-eating) African mammal (Hippopotamus amphibius; common hippopotamus).

What do Americans call tomato ketchup? ›

Ketchup is the dominant term in American English and Canadian English, although catsup is commonly used in some southern US states and Mexico. In Canada and the US, tomato sauce is not a synonym for ketchup but is a sauce made from tomatoes and commonly used in making sauce for pasta.

What do Americans mean when they say tomato sauce? ›

"Tomato sauce in America, at least, refers to a product that sometimes has sugar added to it," Rach says. "It's very smooth and sweet. Tomato purée is just that. It's a cooked product that's just puréed tomato... it's the thin version of whole or crushed canned tomatoes," she adds.

Is it avocados or avocadoes? ›

They informed dictionary publishers of the change — and that the plural was spelled "avocados," not "avocadoes" — and named their own group the California Avocado Association. The approach worked. Today, California accounts for nearly 90 percent of all avocados grown in the United States.

Why do people say tomatoes tomatoes? ›

Origin of Tomato-tomato

Uses the American English and British English pronunciations of the word tomato. Allusion to George Gershwin's song "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off": "You like tomatoes (/təˈmeɪtoʊz/) and I like tomatoes (/təˈmɑːtoʊz/)".

Why do they call tomatoes tomatoes? ›

The word tomato comes from the Spanish tomate, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word tomatl [ˈtomat͡ɬ] pronunciation (help. info), meaning 'swelling fruit'; also 'fat water' or 'fat thing'. The native Mexican tomatillo is tomate.

Why do Americans call it ketchup and not tomato sauce? ›

How did a simple sauce come to be so loved by America? It turns out ketchup's origins are anything but American. Ketchup comes from the Hokkien Chinese word, kê-tsiap, the name of a sauce derived from fermented fish. It is believed that traders brought fish sauce from Vietnam to southeastern China.

What is the plural form of potatoes? ›

According to the general rule of English grammar, the plural noun of 'potato' is 'potatoes'.

What is the plural word for zoo? ›

zoo (plural zoos)

What is broccoli plural? ›

Noun. broccoli (countable and uncountable, plural broccolis or broccoli)

What are the two ways of saying tomato? ›

Tomato, tomahto. Or rather, tuh-MAY-toes, tuh-MAH-toes.

What are old tomatoes called? ›

An heirloom tomato (also called heritage tomato in the UK) is an open-pollinated, non-hybrid heirloom cultivar of tomato. They are classified as family heirlooms, commercial heirlooms, mystery heirlooms, or created heirlooms. They usually have a shorter shelf life and are less disease resistant than hybrids.

Can dogs eat tomatoes? ›

Dogs can eat tomatoes but only in small amounts. Ripe tomatoes are considered nontoxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation as an occasional snack.

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