Gases or Gasses: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever stared at your screen and hesitated, wondering whether to use “gases” or “gasses”? This is a common dilemma that stumps even the best of us. The two words, though seemingly similar, have distinct meanings and uses in the English language. 

Understanding the difference between gases and gasses is important, not just for clarity in your writing, but also for ensuring that you communicate effectively. 

Whether you’re writing a scientific paper or a casual blog post, getting the right form of these words can prevent confusion and enhance the professionalism of your work.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the nuances of both gases and gasses, examining their meanings, uses, and common mistakes that can trip up even seasoned writers. 

We’ll also explore how to tell them apart using simple strategies, and we’ll take a closer look at the contexts in which each is used. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently use gases and gasses in any scenario. So, let’s get started!

Understanding the Root Words

Where “Gas” Comes From

Before we can fully understand the difference between gases and gasses, it helps to know where the word “gas” itself comes from. The term “gas” was first coined by the Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont in the 17th century.

He derived it from the Greek word “chaos”, which was used to describe the formless, disordered substance he believed was responsible for things like fire and air. This connection to “chaos” hints at the elusive, intangible nature of gases.

In modern English, “gas” refers to a substance in a state of matter that has neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape. It’s used in a variety of scientific fields, from chemistry to physics, and is commonly encountered in daily life as well—think about natural gas for heating or the gases that make up the air we breathe. But what about gases and gasses? Let’s explore these plural forms.

How Plurals Work in English

In English, pluralizing nouns generally follows a simple rule: add an “s” to the end of the word. For example, one cat becomes two cats, and one dog becomes two dogs. However, when a word ends in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh”, we typically add an “es” to form the plural. This rule is essential when considering the plural of “gas,” which becomes gases in its plural form.

That said, the confusion often arises when we look at the verb form “gasses.” This form follows a completely different rule, as it’s simply the present tense, third-person singular of the verb to gas—meaning “to emit gas” or “to attack with gas”.

Now that we’ve established the origins and pluralization of “gas,” let’s take a closer look at the specific grammatical rules that govern gases and gasses.

The Correct Plural of ‘Gas’ Is ‘Gases’

Why ‘Gases’ Is Standard

The plural of gas is gases, and this is the form you’ll encounter in both scientific literature and everyday use. Why? Because gases is a regular plural noun that follows standard English grammar rules for words ending in “s.” This makes sense since gas is a non-countable noun when it refers to substances in their gaseous state, and we often need to refer to more than one type of gas.

In science, we commonly use gases to talk about various elements, molecules, and compounds that exist in a gaseous state. For example:

• “The gases in the atmosphere include oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.”
  
• “The lab has several gases that are stored in pressurized containers.”
  

The usage of gases here is clear and unambiguous, indicating more than one gas.

How Dictionaries Define It

When you turn to reputable dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Oxford English Dictionary, you’ll find that gases is the accepted plural form of the noun “gas.” The definitions are straightforward:

• Gases: “plural of gas; a substance that expands to fill any space, has mass but no fixed shape, and tends to have low density.”
  

Both Merriam-Webster and Oxford specifically confirm that gases is the appropriate choice when you’re referring to more than one gas. They also make it clear that this form is used in scientific contexts, as well as in general writing when referring to different types of gases.

Then Why Does ‘Gasses’ Exist at All?

The Verb Form: To Gas

On the other hand, gasses is a verb. It’s the third-person singular form of the verb “to gas.” While this might be less commonly encountered, it does have specific uses. 

When someone gasses something, it typically means they emit a gas, fill something with gas, or, in a more figurative sense, talk excessively.

For example:

• “The mechanic gasses up the car every week.”
  
• “He gasses on about his favorite topics all day.”
  

Here, the verb gasses is used in a different context entirely. The word is not related to the scientific concept of gases but instead refers to a process or action involving the emission of gas or the act of talking.

Examples of Correct Usage for ‘Gasses’

In informal writing, gasses often appears in idiomatic expressions:

• “He gasses about his adventures in the wild.”
  
• “The chef gasses the room with the scent of fresh bread.”
  

It’s important to note that gasses here is not referring to gases in the scientific sense but rather to the action of emitting or spreading something.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Gases vs. Gasses

Here’s a quick reference to highlight the difference between gases and gasses:

Word	Part of Speech	Definition	Example
Gases	Noun (plural)	Plural of gas: any substances in gaseous form	“The lab stores several gases at different temperatures.”
Gasses	Verb (third-person singular)	To emit or fill with gas, or to talk excessively	“The speaker gasses on endlessly during meetings.”

Understanding this simple comparison can help you avoid confusion in your writing.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Why Spellcheckers Sometimes Miss This

One of the primary reasons people get confused by gases and gasses is that both words are valid English terms. Spellcheckers don’t always catch the misuse because both words technically exist—it’s all about context. For example, spellcheck won’t flag “She gasses the car up” because gasses is a correct verb form.

How Context Determines Meaning

The key to differentiating between the two forms lies in context. If you’re writing about air, chemistry, or physics, you’re probably talking about gases. But if you’re referring to someone speaking a lot or emitting gas (as in a verb), gasses is your word. Here are a few examples to highlight this:

• Gases: “The researchers studied the gases in the atmosphere.”
  
• Gasses: “The mechanic gasses the car before the race.”
  

Understanding these contexts is critical for proper usage.

Scientific vs. Everyday English

When Scientists Say ‘Gases’

In scientific writing, gases is the clear and unambiguous choice. Whether you’re discussing the noble gases, like helium and argon, or talking about the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change, gases is always the appropriate term. Here’s an example:

• “The scientist measured the volume of the gases trapped in the chamber.”
  

When ‘Gasses’ Might Pop Up in Conversation

In contrast, gasses is more likely to appear in everyday speech. It can be used when talking about anything from filling something with gas to talking excessively. Here’s an example from daily life:

• “He gasses on about his hobbies all the time.”
  
• “The mechanic gasses the car before the road trip.”
  

In casual contexts, gasses is used more flexibly and can even have slang meanings.

Examples in Real-Life Sentences

10 Sentences Using ‘Gases’ Correctly

1. The laboratory stores gases under high pressure.
   
2. Nitrogen and oxygen are the most common gases in Earth’s atmosphere.
   
3. Gases expand to fill any container.
   
4. Carbon dioxide is one of the most well-known gases in greenhouse effect studies.
   
5. The gases inside the balloon slowly leaked out.
   
6. He studied the gases emitted during combustion.
   
7. The scientist observed the interaction between different gases.
   
8. Gases behave differently at high altitudes.
   
9. The gases in the air are constantly in motion.
   
10. Researchers monitored the gases in the laboratory for signs of contamination.
    

10 Sentences Using ‘Gasses’ Correctly

1. The mechanic gasses up the car before every race.
   
2. She gasses her friends with interesting stories.
   
3. He gasses on endlessly about his travels.
   
4. The chef gasses the room with the smell of garlic.
   
5. The truck gasses the field to prepare it for the next season.
   
6. She gasses about her love for photography.
   
7. The politician gasses on about issues that don’t concern the audience.
   
8. They gassed the house with insect repellent.
   
9. He gasses up the generator for the party.
   
10. The security guard gasses the area to ensure everyone’s safety.

Gases in Science: Why the Plural Matters

States of Matter and Gases

In science, especially in chemistry and physics, understanding the distinction between gases and other states of matter is crucial. Gases do not have a fixed shape or volume and are studied in fields ranging from gas laws to thermodynamics. Scientists rely on accurate terminology to convey their ideas precisely.

Homophones and Similar-Sounding Words

Why ‘Gasses’ Looks Like a Misspelling

Because gasses sounds visually similar to words like “masses” or “glasses”, it can be easy to mistake it for a misspelling of gases. However, once you understand its proper usage, the distinction becomes clear.

How English Spelling Inconsistencies Cause Chaos

English is notoriously inconsistent when it comes to spelling and pronunciation. With words like gasses, masses, and glasses, it’s easy to see how confusion arises. But knowing the context and the part of speech can clear up any doubts.

Quick Grammar Tip: How to Remember the Right Word

Memory Tricks That Work

• “Gases” ends like “masses” (both are plural nouns).
  
• “Gasses” ends like “passes” (a verb form).
  

What Do Style Guides Say?

Chicago Manual of Style

In the Chicago Manual of Style, gases is the preferred plural form for referring to substances in a gaseous state. They also make it clear that gasses is only correct as a verb form.

Associated Press (AP) Stylebook

According to the AP Stylebook, the use of gasses is acceptable in the right context, but it’s much less common than gases in general writing.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Use?

In conclusion, whether you’re writing about gases in a scientific paper or talking about how someone gasses on in a conversation, it’s important to use these words correctly. Gases is the plural noun referring to substances in the gaseous state, and gasses is the third-person singular form of the verb “to gas.” Use each form in its appropriate context to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap it all up: the difference between gases and gasses might look like a tiny spelling issue, but it actually comes down to grammar, context, and purpose. If you’re talking about multiple substances in their gaseous state, the correct word is gases—that’s your go-to for science, everyday air talk, and environmental discussions. 

But if you’re dealing with the action of emitting gas or filling something with gas (like fueling a car or even chatting excessively), then the correct form is gasses, the verb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is “gasses” ever the plural of “gas”?

No. “Gasses” is not the plural of “gas.” The correct plural form is “gases.” “Gasses” is only used as a verb, meaning to emit gas, fill something with gas, or talk excessively.

Can I use “gasses” in scientific writing?

Only if you’re using it as a verb. For example, “The system gasses the chamber before starting the reaction.” But if you’re referring to different types of gas substances, always use gases.

Why do both “gases” and “gasses” look right in spellcheck?

Because both are real words with different meanings. Spellcheck doesn’t always know the context, so it won’t flag a mistake unless the usage is grammatically incorrect. That’s why it’s important to check the context yourself.

How do I remember the difference between “gases” and “gasses”?

Try this quick trick:

• Gases → Plural of gas (like masses).
  
• Gasses → Verb form (like passes).
  

You can also think: “The lab studies gases,” but “The mechanic gasses up the car.”

Are “gases” and “gasses” pronounced differently?

Nope—they’re pronounced the same: /ˈɡæsɪz/. That’s part of what makes them so confusing when writing. But don’t let the sound trip you up—focus on the grammar.