Language can be tricky. If you’ve ever paused before writing potatoes or potatos, you’re not alone. Many English learners and even native speakers make this mistake.
It seems like such a small detail, but misspelling common words can make writing look careless, especially in professional or academic contexts.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between the two spellings, explain why one is correct, and share practical tips to avoid errors. By the end, you’ll never second-guess this word again.
Why People Confuse “Potatoes” and “Potatos”
The Root of the Spelling Problem
The confusion usually comes from English pluralization rules. Normally, we add –s to make a word plural:
- cat → cats
- dog → dogs
So naturally, many assume “potato” becomes “potatos.” But this is one of the exceptions.
The Correct Pluralization Rule
Words ending in –o often take –es in the plural. That’s why the correct spelling is:
- tomato → tomatoes
- potato → potatoes
The Correct Spelling: Potatoes
The only standard, dictionary-accepted spelling is potatoes. Major references like Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, and Cambridge all list potatoes as the plural form of potato.
✅ Example sentence:
“I bought two bags of potatoes for the family dinner.”
On the other hand, “potatos” does not appear in recognized dictionaries. It is simply a misspelling.
Common Real-Life Mistake: The “Dan Quayle” Case
One of the most famous examples of this mistake happened in 1992, when then-Vice President Dan Quayle corrected a student by writing “potatoe” on the blackboard. This incident went viral (long before social media existed), turning into a cultural joke.
The lesson? Even high-profile figures can make spelling slip-ups. But in today’s digital world, such mistakes are instantly shared online. For professionals, writers, and students, accuracy matters more than ever.
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Potatoes vs. Potatos: Quick Comparison
| Word | Correct? | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | ✅ Yes | Proper plural form of potato, listed in all dictionaries. | She cooked roasted potatoes with garlic. |
| Potatos | ❌ No | Common misspelling based on overgeneralizing plural rules. | (Incorrect) He bought three potatos. |
Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
Mnemonic Devices
- Think of the word tomatoes it follows the same rule.
- “Potato” loves “es” at the end like a friend that never goes alone.
Writing Checklist
- ✅ Always double-check words ending in –o.
- ✅ Use a trusted spell-checker.
- ✅ Compare with a dictionary if unsure.
Pros & Cons of Each Spelling (For Learners)
- Potatoes
- ✅ Accepted everywhere (academic, professional, casual writing).
- ✅ Ensures credibility.
- ❌ Slightly less intuitive for beginners.
- Potatos
- ❌ Not correct in any formal context.
- ❌ Can lower credibility in essays, resumes, or work emails.
- ✅ Easier to guess if unfamiliar with the rule.
FAQs About Potatoes vs. Potatos
Is “potatos” ever acceptable?
No. It’s always considered a misspelling in standard English.
Why does “potato” add –es instead of just –s?
Because many words ending in –o take –es (e.g., hero → heroes, tomato → tomatoes).
Do British and American English differ on this?
No. Both use potatoes as the only correct spelling.
What about singular “potatoe” or “potato”?
The correct singular is potato. “Potatoe” is a spelling error.
Is “potatoes” ever used figuratively?
Yes. For example: “meat and potatoes” means the basics or essentials.
Conclusion
When in doubt, remember: potatoes is always correct, potatos is always wrong. Learning these small but important distinctions boosts your confidence, makes your writing more professional, and prevents embarrassing mistakes.
Call to Action
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Check out our Grammar Checker Tool and never second-guess your spelling again!
Read our guide on Common English Misspellings to boost your skills even further.
Sources List
Sources:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2025). Potato. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com
- Oxford English Dictionary. (2025). Potato. Retrieved from https://www.oed.com
- Britannica. (2025). Potato. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com
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Jackson Pearson is a passionate educator and language enthusiast behind the blog Jackson Pearson. With years of experience in teaching and writing, he specializes in simplifying complex grammar rules, breaking down tricky vocabulary, and crafting learning guides that are both engaging and practical. His mission is to help readers boost their English skills whether they’re beginners or brushing up for fluency. Through every article, Jackson brings clarity, structure, and a spark of curiosity to the world of English learning.
