The Mistake We Often See In Grammar Is Largely North American
LEGO® as used by the majority of the world and the company is to be used as an adjective or mass noun. You will see this spelling across its own website and by individuals well-versed in the art of the brick. What does this mean? This means it describes a collection or type of items without needing to be pluralized, much like “water” or “furniture.” It also means that when it modifies another noun, it acts as an adjective.
In short: The plural of LEGO® is just “LEGO®”
Can You Give Me Some Examples Of Correction Usage?
As a Mass Noun:
- Incorrect: “I have many LEGOs.”
- Correct: “I have a lot of LEGO®.” In this instance, “LEGO®” acts as a mass noun, representing the collection of LEGO® bricks as a whole. You wouldn’t say, “I have many waters,” for example; you’d say, “I have a lot of water.”
As an Adjective:
- Incorrect: “I built a tower out of LEGOs.”
- Correct: “I built a LEGO® tower.” Here, “LEGO®” is an adjective describing the type of tower. Just like you would say “wooden tower” rather than “wood tower,” you would say “LEGO® tower.”
Writing LEGO® The Correct Way Means You Know Your Stuff
When talking about LEGO® in general, treat it as a mass noun, akin to how you would discuss “sugar” or “rice.” When using it to describe a type of object, like a building or vehicle, use it as an adjective to modify that object. This understanding will help you use the term “LEGO®” correctly in various contexts (and even LEGO® blog posts).