What’s the plural of “paralysis”?
The plural of paralysis (paralyses), is irregular. Though it ends in –es as a plural, it does so by replacing its ending in the singular case. Usually, nouns add on the -es/-s to show a plural: books, phones, dogs and cats simply add the s to demonstrate more than. It’s a simple and straightforward way to form a plural noun: just add an s.
The research revealed multiple economic crises.
The board discussed the various diagnoses given.
The desert journey led them to two lovely oasises.
She asked us to read the synopsises before the meeting.
This is not the case with nouns like hypnosis, thesis, synopsis, crisis, oasis, (the list goes on). It could have something to do with the fact that each of these words were brought down to Modern English from Ancient Greek. Which is likely why the same rule applies with these other Greek ‘irregular’ nouns, crisis, oasis, diagnosis, and so forth; like paralysis, each modifies to –ses to convey plurality. See the chart.
Nouns that end in -sis/-ses
| singular | plural |
| parenthesis | parentheses |
| crisis | crises |
| diagnosis | diagnoses |
| oasis | oases |
| synopsis | synopses |
| thesis | theses |
“paralyses” as the plural of “paralysis,” picture multiple snakes (s-s-s sound) causing paralysis, emphasizing the “ses” ending.
Examples of “paralysis” in context
The disease causes a paralysis of the legs.
The whole country is in a state of paralysis.
They are trying to end the political paralysis that has been gripping the country.
On the 29th of May he suffered a stroke of paralysis, which caused his death eight days later (June 6). 3. 2.
It’s removed some of my paralysis.
Examples of “paralyses” in context
It can lead to facial paralyses, deafness and blindness as nerves are put under pressure by the bones.
Its users can suffer paralyses, fits and heart failure.
Motor neuron diseases causes steady paralyses of the body while leaving the mind clear and sharp.
Large slipped discs can also cause muscle paralyses and loss of bladder control.
They suffer progressive paralyses and the film shows them lurching from side to side as they become unable to walk properly.
Synonyms of paralysis/paralyses
- breakdown
- stagnation
- immobility
- shutdown
- breakage
- halt
- inactivity
- debilitation
- impairment
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Work Sheet
What is the correct plural form of “paralysis”?
According to the post, nouns ending in -sis like “paralysis” typically form their plural by:
Which of these words listed in the post follows the same irregular plural rule as “paralysis”?
Which of these plural forms is specifically mentioned in the post as INCORRECT?
The blog post suggests the irregular plural forms for words like “paralysis,” “crisis,” and “oasis” might be linked to their origin in:
Motor neuron diseases cause steady of the body.
The research revealed multiple economic .
The board discussed the various given.
She asked us to read the before the meeting.
The desert journey led them to two lovely .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural of paralysis?
+
How is paralysis plural formed?
+
Is paralysis plural regular?
+
Do other words pluralize like paralysis?
+
How is paralyses used?
+
Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Paralysis?." Grammarflex, Jun 21, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-paralysis/.
Sources
-
Merriam-webster, paralysis.
