Question

Should I use "dwarfs" or "dwarves" in my sentence? Thanks!

2023-06-26

This is what goPenpal answered

Good question! The choice between "dwarfs" and "dwarves" depends on the context and your personal preference. Both words are correct, but they have different origins.

"Dwarfs" is the traditional plural form derived from Old English. It is widely accepted and commonly used, especially in modern contexts unrelated to fantasy literature. For instance, you might say, "There are two dwarfs working in the garden."

On the other hand, "dwarves" became popular due to J.R.R. Tolkien's influential fantasy works like "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." Tolkien used "dwarves" to refer to the characters from his fantasy world, and the term has since gained traction in the fantasy genre. So if you're writing a fantasy story, you might opt for "dwarves" to align with that tradition.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the tone and style you want to convey in your sentence. Both "dwarfs" and "dwarves" are correct, so go with the one that aligns with your writing style and the overall context.

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