phenomena

phenomena — noun

1. The standard plural form of "phenomenon", used to refer to multiple observable f

1.nounB2
Definition

The standard plural form of "phenomenon", used to refer to multiple observable facts, events, or situations — especially those that are unusual, interesting, or studied by science.

Example

Imran observed several natural phenomena in Iceland, including the northern lights and volcanic sunsets.

collocation: natural phenomena

Social phenomena like fashion trends and language shifts often follow patterns that scientists study.

Common collocations
  • natural phenomena
  • social phenomena
  • cultural phenomena
  • weather phenomena
  • scientific phenomena
  • unexplained phenomena
  • related phenomena
  • observed phenomena
  • these/those phenomena
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

followed by plural verb

Usage Note

Phenomena is the only widely accepted plural of "phenomenon." The alternative form "phenomenons" is considered nonstandard and is rarely used in formal or academic writing. This noun is always treated as plural and must take a plural verb: "These phenomena are…" NOT "This phenomena is…"

Common Mistakes

This phenomena is very rare in nature.
This phenomenon is very rare in nature.' or 'These phenomena are very rare in nature.
'phenomena' is already plural; use the singular 'phenomenon' for one thing, or pair 'phenomena' with a plural verb and determiner.
The data shows several interesting phenomenons.
The data shows several interesting phenomena.
'phenomenons' is nonstandard; 'phenomena' is the correct plural.

Word family

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

Borrowed from Late Latin phaenomena, from Greek phainomena ("things that appear"), the plural of phainomenon ("something that appears"). The word entered English in the early 17th century as a direct borrowing of the Latin plural, and over time it came to function as the standard plural for the singular "phenomenon" — which was formed by back-formation from the plural.