Is “Informations” Correct?
One of the common English mistakes among students is the use of “informations.” You may hear or see expressions such as:
The teacher gave us some informations.
I need more informations about the programme.
But is “informations” correct?
The Answer Is No
In standard English, information is an uncountable noun. This means that we do not normally add s to make it plural.
Therefore, we say:
The teacher gave us some information.
Not:
The teacher gave us some informations.
We also say:
I need more information about the programme.
Not:
I need more informations about the programme.
But What If You Want to Count Information?
Although information is uncountable, you can refer to individual pieces of information.
You can use the following expressions:
- A piece of information
- Two pieces of information
- Several pieces of information
- Some information
For example:
The researcher collected five pieces of information from the participants.
She gave me two useful pieces of information.
Notice that pieces carries the plural form, while information remains unchanged.
Information Takes a Singular Verb
Because information is uncountable, it normally takes a singular verb.
The information is accurate.
The information are accurate.
The information was useful.
The information were useful.
Why Do People Say “Informations”?
The mistake may occur because many English nouns form their plural by adding s.
- Book → books
- Student → students
- Lesson → lessons
- Idea → ideas
However, not every noun follows this pattern. Some nouns, such as information, advice, furniture, equipment, luggage, and knowledge, are normally uncountable and do not take s in their ordinary usage.
Quick Rule to Remember
- Information means information in general and has no s.
- One piece of information refers to one individual item.
- Two pieces of information refers to two individual items.
So, the next time you are tempted to write “informations,” remember:
Information has no plural “s” in standard English.
Using the correct form may seem like a small detail, but mastering such details can make your spoken and written English clearer, more accurate, and more professional.
