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Related Question that I don't like the answer to because it conflicts with my industry's standards (see bottom of post).

Edit: I asked a new question because I'm looking for an answer, not an alternative (the prior question will likely be forgotten because the original question wasn't addressed), even if that answer is "there is no correct way".

If I have a grocery list that tells me to buy meat and fruit, but I don't know whether I'm buying 1 or more types of each, I may write something along the lines of:

Buy:
-meat(s)
-fruit(s)

How do I pluralize a word in this fashion that requires a suffix change to become plural?

candy -> candies

It doesn't seem right to use any of the following:

candy(s)
candy(ies)
cand(y)(ies)
cand(y/ies)

Background: I write software, and this type of notation seems common, but I've never run into this type of problem: usually "(s)" after the word works without any problem.

For example: from Microsoft Word: enter image description here

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Michael
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  • @FumbleFingers The OP is looking for the parenthetical approach. The answer he and you cite gives an alternative, but does not answer his question. – bib Aug 09 '13 at 02:23
  • @bib: That's as may be, but it's still the same question. – FumbleFingers Aug 09 '13 at 02:45
  • @FumbleFingers What is the proper course of action here? This may be the same question, but it has been marked as "accepted" with an unacceptable answer. – Michael Aug 09 '13 at 14:00
  • Voted to re-open because the other question does not answer this specific question. BUT I don't think there is a common way that uses parentheses, and it's ridiculous to reject a common method on the basis that it doesn't meet industry standards. I would suggest "candy/ies" or just opt for one or the other. – TrevorD Aug 09 '13 at 14:41

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