The correct spelling, the simple -oes rule, and examples with a quick quiz.
Is it “tomatoes” or “tomatos”? Here’s the clear answer: tomatoes is the only correct plural, and it’s the same in both American and British English. “Tomatos” (without the e) is simply a misspelling, no matter where you are.
Unlike some words that change spelling between the US and UK, tomatoes is universal. The confusion comes from the tricky rule for making plurals of words that end in -o. This guide explains that rule, shows why the e is needed, and gives you examples so you never drop it again.
Quick Answer:
The correct plural is tomatoes (with -oes). This is true in American and British English alike. Tomatos is always wrong.
Is There a US vs UK Difference?
No. Many word pairs differ between the US and UK (like color/colour or aging/ageing), but tomatoes is not one of them. Both American and British English spell the plural exactly the same way: tomatoes. The only pronunciation joke (“tomayto / tomahto”) is about sound, not spelling.
| Variety | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| American English | tomato | tomatoes |
| British English | tomato | tomatoes |
The Rule: Why It’s “-oes,” Not “-os”
English has a spelling rule for nouns that end in a consonant + o. To make them plural, you usually add -es, not just -s. The word tomato ends in t (a consonant) + o, so it becomes tomatoes.
✓ tomato → tomatoes
✗ tomato → tomatos
Key Rule: Nouns ending in a consonant plus o usually add -es: tomato to tomatoes, potato to potatoes, hero to heroes. Drop the e and the word is misspelled.
Other Words That Follow the Same Rule
Once you know the rule, these common plurals make perfect sense:
| Singular | Correct Plural | Not |
|---|---|---|
| tomato | tomatoes | tomatos |
| potato | potatoes | potatos |
| hero | heroes | heros |
| echo | echoes | echos |
| volcano | volcanoes | volcanos |
Heads Up: Some -o words take only -s (photos, pianos, zoos), often when they’re shortened words or come from other languages. But for everyday words like tomato, potato, and hero, use -oes.
Why “Tomatos” Is Incorrect
“Tomatos” breaks the consonant + o rule. Spell-checkers flag it, and dictionaries don’t list it. It likely survives because people assume every plural just adds -s, but this group of words needs the full -es ending.
✗ I bought three tomatos at the market.
✓ I bought three tomatoes at the market.
Examples in Real Sentences
- The salad has fresh cherry tomatoes.
- We grow tomatoes in the backyard every summer.
- These tomatoes are perfectly ripe.
- Add two chopped tomatoes to the sauce.
- The recipe calls for canned tomatoes.
- Heirloom tomatoes come in many colors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| two tomatoes | |
| potatoes and tomatoes | |
| tomato (singular) | |
| tomatoes (plural) |
Watch Out: The singular has no e at the end: it’s “tomato,” not “tomatoe.” And never use an apostrophe (tomato’s) to make it plural; that shows possession, not number.
Memory Trick
Remember This: Tomatoes, potatoes, and heroes all need the e. Picture a plate of “potatoes and tomatoes”: both end in -oes, always together.
Practice Quiz: Test Yourself
Pick the correct spelling. The answer key is at the bottom; no peeking!
Q1. The correct plural of “tomato” is:
a) tomatos
b) tomatoes
c) tomatoe
Q2. In British English, the plural is:
a) tomatos
b) tomatoes
c) tomatoz
Q3. Which plural is also correct by the same rule?
a) potatos
b) potatoes
c) potatoe
Q4. The singular form is spelled:
a) tomatoe
b) tomato
c) tomatto
Q5. “Tomato’s” with an apostrophe shows:
a) plural
b) possession
c) nothing
Answer Key: 1-b 2-b 3-b 4-b 5-b
Final Verdict
The correct spelling is tomatoes, with -oes, in both American and British English. Tomatos is never correct. Just remember the consonant + o rule, the same one behind potatoes and heroes, and you’ll spell it right every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it tomatoes or tomatos?
It’s “tomatoes,” with -oes. “Tomatos” is a misspelling and is not accepted in any form of English.
Is the spelling different in American and British English?
No. Both American and British English use “tomatoes.” There is no regional difference in the spelling of this plural.
Why does tomato become tomatoes?
Because it ends in a consonant (t) plus o. Such nouns usually add -es to form the plural, giving “tomatoes.”
What is the singular of tomatoes?
The singular is “tomato,” with no e at the end. “Tomatoe” is incorrect.
Are potatoes and heroes spelled the same way?
Yes. Potato becomes potatoes and hero becomes heroes, following the same consonant + o rule as tomatoes.
Is “tomato’s” ever correct?
Only to show possession or a contraction (“the tomato’s skin”). It is never used to make the word plural; that is always “tomatoes.”
It’s tomatoes everywhere: consonant plus o takes -oes, so the e always stays.
Benen
My name is Benen, and I am an English teacher from the US and UK. I am passionate about helping people improve their English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, while building their confidence in a supportive and patient learning environment.
