What is the difference between Phenomenon and Phenomena?

Phenomena and phenomenon are usually the two words that people get confused at because of how they sound alike. These are typically misused as some people think they can be used interchangeably. But based on their meanings from the dictionary, phenomena and phenomenon are two different words. One meaning of phenomena is it is the plural form of event (phenomenon has two plural forms: phenomena and phenomenons).

Phenomenon means an occurrence or a fact the senses can observe that that plural form phenomena can be used. The word phenomenon(s) mean extraordinary occurrences. Phenomena would mean an unusual event. Widespread use of phenomena is paranormal phenomena when people cannot give a scientific explanation to an event that is extraordinary (e.g., ghost sightings).

If something unusual happens, it can be described as a phenomenon. However, some people get confused with phenomena and phenomenon. That is because they do mean the same thing. Plus, they are both nouns. Sometimes, words that appear similar and have similar or exact definitions may be different because they are used differently in the sentence. That is to say, these words are both nouns.

The main difference between these words can be shown in an example. Many phenomena took place in the event. This indicates that there were more than one phenomena. Phenomena are plural, and the aspect is singular. Most of the time, the singular form of the word is used because there is usually only one unusual occurrence that is taking place.