How to Use Shrimp Plural (Shrimp or Shrimps?)

Keyword + Intro Explanation

The plural of shrimp is one of those grammar puzzles that leaves many second-guessing themselves. Is it shrimp? Is it shrimps? Do both exist and if so, when do you use each?

Let’s cut to the chase: both “shrimp” and “shrimps” are grammatically correct. However, their usage depends on context, audience, and even geographic region. In this article, you’ll learn the difference, explore real-world examples (including emails and dialogues), and master when to use shrimp vs. shrimps naturally.

Simple Definition + Usage Overview

The word shrimp can function as both singular and plural. It belongs to a family of nouns in English that don’t always change in the plural form, like fish, moose, or deer.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Word Form	Correct Usage?	Example
Shrimp (singular)	✅ Yes	“That shrimp is huge!”
Shrimp (plural)	✅ Yes	“We caught ten shrimp.”
Shrimps (plural)	✅ Yes (less common)	“Five different shrimps live in this reef.”

So why does shrimp plural trip people up?

It’s all about whether you’re talking about quantity or variety.

Clear Rules & Patterns

Let’s get the rules straight.

✅ Use shrimp:

When referring to multiple shrimp as food
When describing a group or quantity
In most informal, American English settings

Example: “I grilled some shrimp last night.”

✅ Use shrimps:

When talking about different species or types
In scientific or academic writing
More commonly in British English

Example: “Several exotic shrimps were discovered near the reef.”

Bulleted Rules with Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

✔️ Use shrimp for general food references
✔️ Say shrimps when emphasizing different types or biological categories
✔️ Consider your audience (American vs. British English)

Don’t:

❌ Assume “shrimps” is always wrong it’s correct in the right context
❌ Use “shrimps” casually in food conversations (sounds odd to native ears)
❌ Forget that some plural nouns don’t change (like fish, deer, moose)

Multiple Example Sentences

Let’s look at both versions in real sentences:

✅ Using “shrimp”

“I marinated the shrimp in lemon and garlic.”
“We saw a school of shrimp swimming near the dock.”
“He brought back a bucket full of shrimp from the river.”

✅ Using “shrimps”

“The marine biologist classified several shrimps based on their size and color.”
“Different shrimps occupy different zones within the coral ecosystem.”
“Two of the rarest shrimps were found off the coast of Madagascar.”

Scenario Example – Restaurant Email

Subject: Fresh Gulf Shrimp Available Tonight

Hi Sarah,

Just a quick note to let you know we received a new batch of fresh Gulf shrimp this morning. They’re perfect for the garlic butter skewers you love.

See also What’s the Plural of Syllabus?

We’re running a weekend special with grilled shrimp, served with a side of wild rice and lemon vinaigrette. Let me know if you’d like me to reserve a table.

Best,
Chef Darren
The Bayfront Grill

Scenario Example – Academic Usage Email

Subject: Reef Survey: Shrimp Species Found

Hi Dr. Patel,

During our reef dive last week, we cataloged at least five new shrimps, including one that appears to be a variant of Lysmata debelius. Photos and preliminary notes are attached.

Let me know if you’d like physical samples brought in next week for study.

Regards,
Maya Linton
Marine Biology Intern

Before/After Examples in Everyday and Formal Contexts

Situation	Incorrect (Sounds Off)	Correct (Natural Use)
Ordering food	“Can I get grilled shrimps?”	“Can I get grilled shrimp?”
Scientific report	“Three shrimp were collected.”	“Three shrimps were collected.”
Casual comment	“I caught some shrimps.”	“I caught some shrimp.”

Common Mistakes & Fixes

❌ Mistake 1: Assuming “shrimps” is always wrong

✅ Fix: Use shrimps for variety/species.

“The reef holds over a dozen unique shrimps.”

❌ Mistake 2: Using “shrimps” casually when referring to food

✅ Fix: Stick to shrimp in everyday talk.

“I’m cooking spicy garlic shrimp tonight.”

Quick Reference Table

Scenario	Use “Shrimp”	Use “Shrimps”
Talking about food	✅ Yes	❌ No
Referring to multiple individuals	✅ Yes	✅ Sometimes
Talking about types or species	❌ No	✅ Yes
Academic/scientific writing	✅ Optional	✅ Preferred
American English (general usage)	✅ Yes	❌ Rare
British English (some usage)	✅ Yes	✅ More accepted

Fun Language Note: Other Irregular Plurals

Shrimp belongs to a small set of animals with unusual plural patterns. Here are some relatives:

Singular	Plural (Same Form)	Plural (Alternate Form)	Notes
fish	fish	fishes	Used for species types
deer	deer		Always the same
moose	moose		Always the same
shrimp	shrimp	shrimps	Depends on context

So if you’re wondering, “Is shrimp plural or singular?”the answer is both!

Visual Reference: Shrimp vs. Shrimps

        +-------------------------------+
        |      Shrimp or Shrimps?      |
        +-------------------------------+
        | Shrimp                        |
        | - General plural              |
        | - Food context                |
        | - Common in U.S. English      |
        +-------------------------------+
        | Shrimps                       |
        | - Different species/kinds     |
        | - Academic/scientific writing|
        | - More common in U.K. English|
        +-------------------------------+

Etymology Bonus: Where Did “Shrimp” Come From?

The word shrimp comes from Middle English “shrimpe”, probably related to the Old Norse “skreppa”, meaning “thin person” or “to shrink.” That’s why “shrimp” is also used metaphorically to refer to something or someone small or puny.

Example: “He’s a little shrimp compared to his brother.”

Final Takeaways

The plural of shrimp can be either shrimp or shrimps context matters.
Use shrimp in food-related and everyday contexts.
Use shrimps when discussing species, scientific studies, or varieties.
Both are grammatically acceptable, but one might “sound” more natural depending on where you are or who you’re talking to.
If in doubt, shrimp is the safer choice in most general contexts.

salina