thesis is plural or singular

Plural of Thesis

What is the plural of thesis.

The Quick Answer

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Are You Good at Plurals?

The standard rules for forming the plurals, why is there confusion over the plural of thesis.

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What’s the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)

• November 13, 2022

What’s the plural of “thesis”?

Thesis , (and its plural theses ) is an example of one of the many common English words that has roots elsewhere. In this case, thesis is a word that has roots all the way back to Ancient Greek. Like other similarly structured words: diagnosis , synthesis , analysis , oasis , crisis , nemesis and the like, thesis is by no means the only frequently used Greek word that’s made it to Modern English.

What’s the singular of thesis?

Thesis is a singular noun and refers to one thing (or one thesis ).

What’s a thesis?

Merriam-Webster defines the noun thesis (plural theses ) as follows, “a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree.”

Nouns that end in -sis/ses

Thesis is an irregular plural noun that does not end in the typical -s / -es that regular plural noun forms take. This is so despite that theses plural does in fact end in the conventional -s/-es suffix. Why is it still considered irregular; then, given that it follows the regular plural form? Notice the following regular plural noun forms:

Thesis / theses operates differently. With these Greek words, the -ses does not simply  add onto the end of the singular form of the noun; instead, -ses replaces the singular noun’s suffixes, and effectively changes the entire spelling of the word (and arguably the word itself.)

Examples of “thesis” (singular) in sentences

His master thesis was on modal neural networks.

She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes.

We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report.

I’ve made a first draft of my thesis .

The student’s experiments helped her formulate a thesis to share with her professor and classmates.

Examples of “theses” (plural) in sentences

It must not be assumed that Luther’s ninety-five theses produced any considerable direct results.

The collection of theses are ready for publication.

Twenty years after Savonarola’s death Martin Luther made public his theses against indulgences.

Theses are generally examined by two or more specialists.

Theses is the plural form of the singular noun thesis.

Origin of the word “thesis”

Thesis / theses are of Greek origin.

Read about other irregular nouns

• What’s the plural of bison?
• What’s the plural of moose?
• What’s the plural of sheep?
• What’s the plural of ox?
• What’s the plural of cactus?
• What’s the plural of crisis?
• What’s the plural of hypothesis?

Read about other topics in grammar

• What’re personal pronouns?
• What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
• Whose vs who’s?
• Merriam-Webster, thesis/theses.

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What’s the Plural of Thesis?

The English language is full of irregular plural forms that can catch even the most seasoned speakers off guard. One word that often causes confusion is “thesis.” Whether you’re writing a research paper, preparing for a presentation, or simply engaging in academic discussions, knowing the correct plural form of “thesis” is essential. In this article, we will explore the correct plural form of “thesis,” explain why it takes that form, provide examples of its usage in both singular and plural contexts, and answer common questions and misconceptions.

Table of Contents

What Does “Thesis” Mean?

Before we dive into pluralization, let’s start by understanding the meaning of “thesis.”

A thesis is a scholarly or academic document that presents the author’s research or findings on a particular subject. It is often written as a requirement for completing a degree, particularly at the master’s or doctoral level. In a broader sense, the word “thesis” can also refer to a central argument or statement that is being supported or proven in a piece of writing or speech.

Key Characteristics of a Thesis:

• Academic Research: A thesis typically involves original research, analysis, or argumentation on a specific topic.
• Degree Requirement: At universities, students are often required to submit a thesis to fulfill the requirements for a degree.
• Central Argument: A thesis can also mean the main idea or central argument that is being supported in an essay or research paper.

Examples of “Thesis” in Singular Form:

• She submitted her thesis on climate change to the university for review. (Here, “thesis” refers to one academic document.)
• The professor asked the students to summarize the thesis of the article. (In this sentence, “thesis” refers to the central argument of the article.)
• His doctoral thesis focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets. (In this example, “thesis” is used to describe a single research project.)

What’s the Plural of “Thesis”?

The plural of “thesis” is “theses.” Unlike many English nouns, which form their plural by simply adding “-s” or “-es” to the end, “thesis” follows a different pattern of pluralization. This is because “thesis” is derived from Greek, and many Greek-origin words in English have irregular plural forms.

Why “Theses” Instead of “Thesises”?

The word “thesis” comes from the Greek word “thesis,” which means “a proposition” or “a setting down.” In Greek, the plural of “thesis” is “theseis.” When the word was borrowed into Latin and later English, the plural form was adapted to “theses” to reflect its Greek origins.

This pattern is common among English words with Greek roots. Other examples include:

• Crisis → Crises
• Analysis → Analyses
• Hypothesis → Hypotheses

In all of these words, the “-is” ending is replaced with “-es” to form the plural. It’s important to note that the pronunciation also changes slightly when pluralized. While “thesis” is pronounced /ˈθiː.sɪs/ , the plural “theses” is pronounced /ˈθiː.siːz/ (with a long “e” sound in the second syllable).

Examples of “Theses” in Sentences

Now that we know the correct plural form of “thesis,” let’s look at some examples of “theses” in sentences to help clarify its usage.

Everyday Usage:

• The library has a collection of theses submitted by graduate students over the last 50 years. (Here, “theses” refers to multiple academic documents written by students.)
• Several theses on renewable energy have been published in the university’s journal. (In this sentence, “theses” refers to more than one research paper on the same topic.)
• The committee reviewed all the theses before deciding on the award for best research. (Here, “theses” refers to multiple theses being evaluated by a committee.)

In Academic Contexts:

• The university requires students to submit their theses electronically before graduation. (In this context, “theses” refers to the academic documents of multiple students.)
• Many students struggle with organizing their theses and presenting their arguments clearly. (Here, “theses” refers to the written documents of multiple students.)
• The professor has supervised over 50 theses during her career. (This sentence refers to the many theses that the professor has guided.)

Singular vs. Plural: “Thesis” vs. “Theses”

As with most nouns, “thesis” has both a singular and plural form. “Thesis” refers to one research paper or central argument, while “theses” refers to more than one. Let’s clarify this distinction with a few examples:

Singular (“Thesis”) in Sentences:

• Her master’s thesis was well-researched and received high praise from the faculty. (Here, “thesis” refers to one particular research document.)
• The thesis of the essay is that economic inequality is the root cause of social unrest. (In this sentence, “thesis” refers to the main argument of the essay.)
• He defended his thesis on the philosophy of language in front of a panel of experts. (Here, “thesis” refers to one academic project.)

Plural (“Theses”) in Sentences:

• The university’s library contains hundreds of doctoral theses on a wide range of topics. (Here, “theses” refers to multiple academic documents housed in the library.)
• The students presented their theses at the conference, each showcasing their original research. (In this sentence, “theses” refers to the work of multiple students.)
• The academic journal publishes the best theses submitted by students each year. (Here, “theses” refers to more than one paper selected for publication.)

Why Do Some People Confuse the Plural of “Thesis”?

The confusion around the plural of “thesis” likely arises from the fact that most English nouns form their plurals by simply adding “-s” or “-es.” Because “thesis” is of Greek origin and follows an irregular pluralization pattern, people might mistakenly think that “thesises” is the correct plural form. However, as we’ve seen, “theses” is the correct pluralization.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using “Thesises” Some people incorrectly add “-es” to “thesis” to form the plural “thesises.” This is incorrect. The proper plural form is “theses.”

• The students submitted their thesises to the committee for approval.
• The students submitted their theses to the committee for approval.

Mistake 2: Confusing “Thesis” and “Theses” Another common mistake is using “thesis” when referring to multiple theses, or using “theses” when referring to just one.

• He wrote several thesis during his academic career. (When referring to more than one thesis, use “theses” .)
• He wrote several theses during his academic career.

How to Use “Theses” Correctly in Sentences

Whether you’re working on your own thesis, reviewing others’ work, or discussing academic research, knowing how to use “theses” correctly is important. Let’s look at some specific contexts where the plural form is used.

In Academic Writing:

• The university requires all students to submit their theses in both digital and print formats. (Here, “theses” refers to the academic documents of multiple students.)
• The journal published the best theses submitted in the field of environmental science. (In this sentence, “theses” refers to the work of several students on a specific subject.)
• The professor has supervised dozens of theses on various topics in philosophy. (Here, “theses” refers to the many research projects guided by one professor.)

In Conferences and Presentations:

• At the conference, graduate students presented their theses to an audience of peers and professors. (In this context, “theses” refers to the academic work of multiple students.)
• The panel reviewed the theses and selected the top three for awards. (Here, “theses” refers to multiple research documents submitted for evaluation.)
• Researchers from around the world shared their theses on global economic trends. (This sentence refers to the research papers presented by different researchers.)

Common Questions and Misconceptions About “Theses”

Let’s address some common questions and misconceptions about the plural form of “thesis.”

Question 1:

Is “thesises” ever correct?

Answer : No, “thesises” is never correct. The proper plural form is “theses.”

• The students submitted their theses on time for graduation.

Question 2:

Why isn’t the plural of “thesis” just “thesises”?

Answer : The word “thesis” comes from Greek, and many words of Greek origin have irregular plural forms in English. For words like “thesis,” the “-is” changes to “-es” in the plural, forming “theses.”

• The professor has reviewed several brilliant theses this year.

Question 3:

Which plural form should I use in formal writing: “theses” or “thesises”?

Answer : Always use “theses” in formal writing. “Thesises” is incorrect and should be avoided.

Example (Correct for formal writing):

• The theses were published in the university’s research journal.

Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The students submitted their thesises to the faculty for approval. b) The students submitted their theses to the faculty for approval.

Answer : * b) The students submitted their theses to the faculty for approval.

Explanation : The correct plural form of “thesis” is “theses.” “Thesises” is incorrect.

Practice Questions: Thesis or Theses?

Let’s test your understanding of when to use “thesis” and when to use “theses” with some practice questions.

Which word is correct in the following sentence?

• The professor has supervised several brilliant _ this year.

a) thesis b) theses

Answer : b) theses

Explanation : Since the sentence refers to more than one thesis, the correct plural form is “theses.”

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

• She spent three years working on her _ for her master’s degree.

Answer : Thesis

Explanation : The sentence refers to a single research paper, so “thesis” is the correct singular form.

True or False : “Thesises” is an acceptable plural form of “thesis.”

Answer : False

Explanation : The correct plural form is “theses.” “Thesises” is incorrect.

a) The researcher wrote multiple thesis on the same subject. b) The researcher wrote multiple theses on the same subject.

Answer : * b) The researcher wrote multiple theses on the same subject.

Explanation : The correct plural form of “thesis” is “theses.”

In summary, the plural form of “thesis” is “theses.” This follows the irregular pluralization pattern found in many Greek-origin words. Knowing and using the correct plural form is important in both academic and formal contexts.

Key Takeaways:

• “Thesis” is singular, referring to one research paper or central argument.
• “Theses” is the correct plural form and should always be used when referring to more than one.
• Avoid using “thesises,” as it is incorrect.

By mastering the correct plural form of “thesis,” you can confidently use “theses” in a variety of contexts, whether you’re writing an academic paper, discussing research, or presenting at a conference.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

In his spare time, he likes to compete in powerlifitng events and the odd strongman event!

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: October 11, 2023

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Do you know the plural of thesis? Understanding the correct plural of thesis is important not only for academic writing, but for general communication as well. Whether you’re discussing multiple research papers or simply trying to sound knowledgeable in a conversation, using the correct plural form can help you make a good impression and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Plural of Thesis

Definition and Plural of Thesis

When writing a research paper or dissertation, the central argument or main point is known as a thesis. A thesis is a statement or proposition that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. It is a crucial element of academic writing and is often required for a degree or certification.

The plural of thesis is “theses.” In English, most nouns form the plural by adding an “s” at the end. However, “thesis” is one of the few exceptions to this rule. The word “thesis” has a Greek root, and “theses” is how it is pluralized in that original language.

It is important to note that “theses” is the only way to make the noun “thesis” plural. There is no alternative form of the plural for this word.

In academic writing, the plural form “theses” is commonly used when referring to multiple research papers or dissertations. For example, “I have read several theses on this topic, and they all have different viewpoints.”

When to Use Thesis and Its Plural Form

When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is important to understand when to use the word “thesis” and its plural form, “theses.” Here are some guidelines to help you use these words correctly:

• Use “thesis” when referring to a single research paper or dissertation that presents a specific argument or viewpoint.
• Use “theses” when referring to multiple research papers or dissertations.
• Remember that “thesis” is a singular noun and “theses” is its plural form.
• Be aware that “thesis” has a Greek root and follows the same pluralization rule as other Greek words ending in “-is,” such as “crisis” and “analysis.” They become “crises” and “analyses,” respectively.
• Keep in mind that “thesis” can also refer to a statement or proposition that is put forward for consideration or discussion. In this case, the plural form would be “theses.”
• When citing multiple theses in a paper, use “theses” to indicate the plurality. For example, “The theses presented in this paper all support the idea that…”

Examples of Thesis and Its Plural Form in Sentences

If you are wondering how to use the word “thesis” in a sentence, here are a few examples:

• Your thesis statement should be clear and concise.
• The professor asked us to submit our theses by the end of the semester.
• The thesis of the article is that climate change is caused by human activity.
• She spent months researching and writing her thesis on the history of feminism .
• The committee was impressed by the depth and originality of his thesis.

As you can see, “thesis” is used to refer to a statement or argument put forth by a writer or speaker, as well as a research paper written by a student to earn a degree.

Now, let’s take a look at the plural form of “thesis.” According to Grammar Monster, the only correct way to form the plural of “thesis” is “theses.” Here are some examples of how to use “theses” in a sentence:

• The library has a collection of theses written by graduate students.
• The professor asked us to read several theses on the topic before starting our own research.
• The theses presented at the conference covered a wide range of topics.
• The committee was impressed by the quality and originality of the theses submitted.

Plural Noun Rules for Regular Nouns

When forming the plural of regular nouns, there are some standard rules to follow. These rules apply to most English nouns, including “thesis.” Here are the basic guidelines:

• For most singular nouns, simply add an “-s” to the end to form the plural. For example, “book” becomes “books,” “car” becomes “cars,” and “house” becomes “houses.”
• If the singular noun ends in “-s,” “-x,” “-z,” “-ch,” or “-sh,” add “-es” to form the plural. For example, “bus” becomes “buses,” “box” becomes “boxes,” “buzz” becomes “buzzes,” “church” becomes “churches,” and “dish” becomes “dishes.”
• If the singular noun ends in a consonant followed by “-y,” change the “-y” to “-ies” to form the plural. For example, “city” becomes “cities,” “baby” becomes “babies,” and “story” becomes “stories.”
• If the singular noun ends in a vowel followed by “-y,” simply add an “-s” to form the plural. For example, “boy” becomes “boys,” “key” becomes “keys,” and “day” becomes “days.”

It’s important to note that there are some irregular nouns that don’t follow these rules. For example, “child” becomes “children,” “foot” becomes “feet,” and “tooth” becomes “teeth.” However, “thesis” is a regular noun, so it follows the standard rules for forming the plural.

Plural Noun Rules for Irregular Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns in English, there are some general rules that apply to most words. However, there are also many irregular nouns that don’t follow these rules and have unique plural forms. In this section, we’ll go over some common irregular plural nouns and the rules for forming their plurals.

List of Common Irregular Plural Nouns

Here are some examples of irregular plural nouns that you may come across:

Nouns that End in Us

Nouns that end in “us” often have a plural form that ends in “i”. For example:

Nouns that End in Is

Nouns that end in “is” may have a plural form that ends in “es”. For example:

Nouns that End in On

Nouns that end in “on” may have a plural form that ends in “a”. For example:

Plurals That Are the Same as Singulars

Some nouns have the same form for both the singular and plural. For example:

Words That Look Like Plural Nouns but Are Singular Nouns

Some words may look like plural nouns but are actually singular nouns. For example:

Collective Nouns and List

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, collective nouns can be a bit tricky. A collective noun refers to a group of people or things as a single entity. For example, “team” is a collective noun because it refers to a group of individuals working together towards a common goal.

The challenge with collective nouns is deciding whether to treat them as singular or plural. In American English, collective nouns are usually treated as singular, while in British English, they can be treated as either singular or plural depending on the context.

Here are some examples of collective nouns and how they can be treated in different contexts:

As you can see, the choice of whether to use a singular or plural verb depends on whether you are referring to the group as a single entity or as individuals within the group.

When it comes to forming the plural of collective nouns, the same rules apply as for regular nouns. For example, the plural of “team” is “teams”, and the plural of “family” is “families”.

Plural Nouns vs. Possessive Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, there are standard rules that apply to most words in the English language. However, there are some exceptions, such as the word “thesis.” The plural of “thesis” is “theses,” and this is the only correct way to form the plural of this word.

On the other hand, when it comes to forming possessive nouns, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Here are some key points to remember:

• For singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example, “the thesis’s conclusion” means the conclusion belonging to the thesis.
• For plural nouns that end in “s,” add only an apostrophe to show possession. For example, “the theses’ conclusions” means the conclusions belonging to the theses.
• For plural nouns that do not end in “s,” add an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example, “women’s rights” means the rights belonging to women.

It’s important to note that possessive nouns should not be confused with plural nouns. While they may look similar, they serve different grammatical functions. Possessive nouns show ownership or possession, while plural nouns simply refer to more than one of something.

Common Mistakes with Plural Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, there are some common mistakes that are made. Here are a few things to keep in mind when forming the plural of the word “thesis” and other nouns:

Adding an Apostrophe

One common mistake is adding an apostrophe to a noun to make it plural. For example, “the thesis’s” instead of “the theses.” This is incorrect and should be avoided.

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns have irregular plurals that do not follow the standard rules. For example, “child” becomes “children” and “goose” becomes “geese.” It is important to learn these irregular plurals to avoid mistakes.

Confusion over Plurals

Some nouns, like “thesis,” can cause confusion over their plural form. “Theses” is the only correct way to make “thesis” plural. Other words that end in “-is” may also have irregular plurals, such as “crisis” becoming “crises.”

Using Incorrect Count Nouns

It is important to use the correct count nouns when referring to multiple instances of something. For example, “studies” instead of “researches,” and “pieces of evidence” instead of “evidences.” Using the incorrect count noun can make your writing sound awkward or confusing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct plural form of ‘thesis’?

The correct plural form of ‘thesis’ is ‘theses.’ It is an irregular plural noun that does not follow the typical -s/-es suffix used for regular plural nouns.

How is ‘thesis’ used in a sentence?

‘Thesis’ refers to a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. An example sentence would be: “Her thesis on the effects of climate change was well-researched and presented.”

What is the origin of the word ‘thesis’?

The word ‘thesis’ comes from the Greek word ‘tithenai,’ which means ‘to place’ or ‘to put.’ In academia, it refers to a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.

What is the difference between ‘thesis’ and ‘theses’?

‘Thesis’ is the singular form of the word, while ‘theses’ is the plural form. ‘Thesis’ refers to a single statement or theory, while ‘theses’ refers to multiple statements or theories.

The plural of thesis is the word 'theses'.

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To pluralize 'thesis', you simply add 'es' to the end of the word. This is because 'thesis' ends in 'is', which is a singular noun ending.

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Yes, the plural of thesis is 'theses'.

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'Theses' is not an irregular plural form of thesis. It is a regular plural form.

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Some examples of irregular plural nouns include 'child' (children), 'tooth' (teeth), and 'foot' (feet).

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you correctly pluralize nouns ending in -is?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

To correctly pluralize nouns ending in -is, you simply change the 'is' to 'es'. For example, the plural of 'thesis' is 'theses', and the plural of 'analysis' is 'analyses'.

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English Teacher Site

Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms

• The plural of “thesis” adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es.
• Accurate use of “thesis” and “theses” reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication.
• Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of understanding language origins.

It is crucial to use the word correctly in both singular and plural contexts to maintain the integrity of written and spoken communication. In the realm of academics, precision in language reflects the rigor of one’s research and argumentation. As such, understanding the transformation from “thesis” to its plural counterpart is more than a trivial detail; it reflects a deeper appreciation for the structure and history of the English language.

Table of Contents

What’s the Plural of Thesis?

The proper plural of thesis is “theses.” This transformation is part of a broader pattern in the English language where certain nouns change their ending to reflect a plural state.

Below, a comparison is made to illustrate the standard singular to plural transformation for nouns ending in -is:

Key Points about the pluralization of “thesis”:

• The plural follows a specific rule of changing the ‘-is’ ending to ‘-es’.
• This pattern is consistent with other Greek-derived words.
• The pronunciation changes with the plural form, ending in “-eez.”

To clarify usage, consider these examples:

• Singular: The student’s thesis was commended for its clarity.
• Plural: The professor read all the submitted theses before the conference.

Singular Form of Thesis

The singular form of ‘thesis’ is of notable interest due to its origins and distinct pluralization.

Origination and Definition:

• Etymology : Derived from the ancient Greek word τίθημι (tithēmi), which means “to put” or “to place.”
• Meaning : It is a statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved.

Usage in Academia:

• A significant piece of writing prepared by a student to obtain a university degree or diploma.
• Often involves original research and substantiates a particular view or argument.

Table 1: Notable Features of ‘Thesis’

Table 2: Contextual Examples

Definition of Thesis

A thesis is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that is typically required to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. It represents the author’s research and findings in their chosen field of study. A thesis serves as evidence that the student has acquired the knowledge necessary to be considered a scholar in the field. Here, two key aspects of a thesis will be described through tables:

Purpose and Composition of a Thesis:

Characteristics of a Thesis:

• Focused : It should have a clear, concise premise or central argument.
• Researched : Employs rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data.
• Structured : Contains defined sections that present information logically.
• Cited : Includes proper citations of sources that support or contrast the thesis.
• Reviewed : Undergoes scrutiny by academic peers or supervisors.

Other Irregular Plural Nouns Ending in -sis/ses

Below you will find two tables categorized by common and less common irregular plurals that follow this pattern.

Common Irregular Plurals:

This pattern is often observed with words that have Greek origins.

Less Common Irregular Plurals:

It is important to recognize these forms to maintain grammatical accuracy in writing and speech. Below is a list of examples used in sentences:

• When multiple scientific hypotheses are tested, the results can lead to important discoveries.
• During the editing process, Jane had to review all the parentheses to ensure clarity in her writing.
• Geographers study multiple oases in the desert to understand these unique ecosystems.
• His thesis on renewable energy was well-received, and many theses on the subject reference his work.

Examples of Thesis (Singular) in Sentences

Here are examples that demonstrate its usage in various sentences.

In Academic Context

In everyday discourse.

Informal setting : During the debate, his thesis was that space exploration is no longer just a dream but a necessity.

• Discussing beliefs : Her thesis is that all public spaces should offer free Wi-Fi.
• Opinion : They argued the thesis that high taxes discourage spending.

Examples of Theses (Plural) in Sentences

Here are some examples of how “theses” can be used in sentences:

Education Setting : Graduate students often struggle to find unique topics for their theses as most ideas have been extensively explored.

• Evaluating the structure and arguments of different theses can help one build a stronger dissertation.

Origin of the Word Thesis

The term thesis originates from the ancient Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “a proposition” . Historically, this term has played a crucial role in both rhetorical and academic contexts. It denotes a statement that a writer intends to support and prove. In academic circles, thesis often refers to a document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification.

Etymological Background

The journey of the word from its Greek roots to the modern English language reflects the changing dynamics of educational and scholarly practices over the centuries.

As a carryover from Greek to Latin, the word made its way into English, maintaining its original Greek plural form:

Usage in Academia

In academia, the word has been used since the late Middle Ages to denote a scholarly work written by students aiming to obtain a university degree. Over time, the use of thesis expanded from merely referring to a proposition to a lengthy document providing evidence of comprehensive research.

Historical Evolution:

• Middle Ages : Referred to propositions for a degree.
• Renaissance : Emphasized individual research.
• Modern Usage : Extensive research documents for higher education degrees.

Areas of Impact:

• Rhetoric : Considered as a premise to be argued.
• Academic Research : Reflects comprehensive study in a field.

My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.

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Pronunciation

• ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθiːsɪs/
• ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθisɪs/
• Hyphenation : the‧sis
• ( countable ) A thesis is a long paper that university students at the masters or doctoral level write. I finished my coursework and have been working on my thesis for about a year now. She's writing her thesis on the effects of TV on children.
• ( countable ) A thesis is a main idea or argument that is developed or explained. This book has three major theses . If you're going to write about this, you're going to have trouble supporting your thesis .

• 2-syllable words
• Countable nouns
• Unexpected parameter in audio template