Allomorph

usgb/ˈæləmɔːrf/
noun

One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

In English, the plural morpheme can appear as 'allomorphs' like '-s', '-es', and '-en'.
Visual representation of "allomorph" - One of two or more different ways a specific morpheme can be spelled or pronounced.

Often appears as...

  • 'allomorphs of a morpheme'
  • 'inflectional allomorphs'

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "allomorph"
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Variation Clues

Allomorphs can signal word variation, like singular to plural, without changing meaning.

Illustration for Variation Clues
The words 'cat' and 'cats' use different allomorphs for the plural form.
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Pronunciation Guide

Be aware of pronunciation changes; some allomorphs affect how words sound.

Illustration for Pronunciation Guide
'Boxes' has an extra syllable as an allomorph of the '-s' plural marker.
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Not Interchangeable

Allomorphs aren't interchangeable; they're used in specific grammatical contexts.

Illustration for Not Interchangeable
We use '-en' in 'children', not '-s', as its plural allomorph.
Visual representation of the word "Allomorph"

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