Many English learners get confused about bachelor or bachelors because the two forms look almost the same. The small letter s changes the meaning, and the apostrophe in bachelor’s can make the choice even more confusing.
The simple answer is this: bachelor is the singular form, while bachelors is the plural form. If you are talking about one unmarried man or one person with a bachelor’s degree, use bachelor. If you are talking about two or more unmarried men, you can use bachelors. When talking about an academic degree, the usual phrase is bachelor’s degree, with an apostrophe.
For example, you can say, “He is a bachelor” when talking about one unmarried man. You can say, “They are bachelors” when talking about two or more unmarried men. But for education, you would normally say, “She has a bachelor’s degree.” Learning this small difference will help you avoid a very common English mistake.
Keep learning with our easy grammar explanations and spelling guides like benefited or benefitted.
Simple Answer in One Look
Bachelor = one unmarried man, or part of a degree name.
Bachelors = more than one bachelor.
Bachelor’s = belonging to or connected with one bachelor; commonly used in bachelor’s degree.
Quick Rule
- One person → bachelor
- Two or more people → bachelors
- Academic degree → bachelor’s degree
What Does Bachelor Mean in Simple English?
The word bachelor has more than one meaning.
The first meaning is a man who is not married.
For example:
“My uncle is a bachelor.”
This means the uncle is an unmarried man.
Another example:
“He lived alone as a bachelor.”
Here, bachelor describes one unmarried man.
The word can also be used when talking about education.
For example:
“She earned a Bachelor of Arts.”
Here, Bachelor is part of the official name of an academic degree.
You may also see:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Education
In these official degree names, Bachelor is singular.
What Does Bachelors Mean?
Bachelors is simply the plural form of bachelor.
We use it when we are talking about more than one bachelor.
For example:
“The two bachelors lived together.”
There are two unmarried men, so bachelors is correct.
Another example:
“Several bachelors attended the event.”
There is more than one unmarried man.
The same pattern works with many English nouns:
- one student → two students
- one teacher → two teachers
- one bachelor → two bachelors
The important point is that bachelors does not normally mean a group of bachelor’s degrees.
For academic degrees, you should usually say bachelor’s degrees.
For example:
❌ She has two bachelors.
✅ She has two bachelor’s degrees.
What Does Bachelor’s Mean?
This is another form that often causes confusion.
Bachelor’s has an apostrophe before the s.
It is commonly used in the phrase:
bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate college or university degree.
Examples:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
- He is working toward a bachelor’s degree.
- My brother completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
The apostrophe shows a connection to the word bachelor.
You can think of it as:
bachelor + ‘s + degree
So:
bachelor’s degree
is the standard phrase.
Why Do People Mix Up Bachelor or Bachelors?
There are several reasons people confuse these forms.
The words look almost identical
The only difference between bachelor and bachelors is the final s.
That small change can be easy to miss.
Bachelor’s adds another form
Students often see all three:
- bachelor
- bachelors
- bachelor’s
This can make the choice confusing.
Education makes the issue harder
People often hear phrases such as:
- bachelor’s degree
- bachelor degree
- bachelor of science
- bachelors degree
Only some of these forms are correct in standard English.
People leave out the apostrophe
A common mistake is writing:
❌ bachelors degree
The standard form is:
✅ bachelor’s degree
Clear Difference of Bachelor or Bachelors Explained Simply
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | One unmarried man | He is a bachelor. |
| Bachelors | Two or more unmarried men | They are bachelors. |
| Bachelor’s | Connected with one bachelor; used in the degree phrase | She has a bachelor’s degree. |
| Bachelor of… | Official degree title | He earned a Bachelor of Science. |
This table gives you the basic answer.
Which Form Should You Use Bachelor or Bachelors?
The best choice depends on what you are trying to say.
Talking About One Unmarried Man
Use bachelor.
Example:
“John is a bachelor.”
You are talking about one man.
Talking About More Than One Unmarried Man
Use bachelors.
Example:
“John and Mike are bachelors.”
You are talking about two men.
Talking About a College Degree
Use bachelor’s degree.
Example:
“Maria has a bachelor’s degree.”
This is one of the most common uses of the word.
Using an Official Degree Name
Use Bachelor of…
Examples:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Education
For example:
“She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.”
Notice that there is no apostrophe in Bachelor of Science.
Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
This is one of the most common questions.
The standard phrase is:
bachelor’s degree
Example:
✅ He has a bachelor’s degree in history.
In standard English, bachelor degree is generally not the preferred form.
You may see bachelor degree in some places or informal writing, but bachelor’s degree is the usual form in American English.
Easy Memory Trick
Think:
One bachelor owns the degree → bachelor’s degree.
The apostrophe helps you remember the standard phrase.
You can also remember:
Bachelor’s = Degree
This is a very useful shortcut.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor’s of Arts?
The correct official degree name is:
Bachelor of Arts
Not:
❌ Bachelor’s of Arts
For example:
✅ She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.
The same pattern works with other degree titles:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Music
When Bachelor is part of the official degree title, do not add an apostrophe.
Easy Real-Life Sentences You Can Use
Here are simple examples with bachelor.
- My uncle is a bachelor.
- He has lived as a bachelor for many years.
- The bachelor lives in a small apartment.
- He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- She completed her bachelor’s degree last year.
- They are bachelors who live in the same building.
- My sister has a bachelor’s degree in education.
- He plans to earn a Bachelor of Science.
Notice that the correct form changes according to the meaning.
Bachelor or Bachelors for Academic Degrees?
This question needs special attention.
If you are talking about one degree, you normally say:
a bachelor’s degree
Example:
“I earned a bachelor’s degree in English.”
If you are talking about more than one degree, you say:
bachelor’s degrees
Example:
“The university offers several bachelor’s degrees.”
Notice that the degree becomes plural.
You do not normally write:
❌ bachelor’s
when you mean several degrees.
Instead, write:
✅ bachelor’s degrees
What About “Bachelors Degree”?
You may see this spelling online:
bachelors degree
It is missing the apostrophe.
The standard form is:
bachelor’s degree
The apostrophe is important because bachelor’s is the form used in this phrase.
Compare:
❌ He has a bachelors degree.
✅ He has a bachelor’s degree.
The second sentence is correct.
What About “Bachelors Degrees”?
This form has two problems.
❌ bachelors degrees
The standard form is:
✅ bachelor’s degrees
Why?
Because bachelor’s describes the type of degree, while degrees is plural.
For example:
The college offers bachelor’s degrees in several subjects.
A Simple Way to Choose the Right Form
Use this three-step test.
Step 1: Are you talking about one unmarried man?
Use:
bachelor
Example:
He is a bachelor.
Step 2: Are you talking about two or more unmarried men?
Use:
bachelors
Example:
The three bachelors attended the party.
Step 3: Are you talking about a college degree?
Usually use:
bachelor’s degree
Example:
She earned a bachelor’s degree.
If you are using the official degree name, use:
Bachelor of…
Example:
He earned a Bachelor of Science.
Where Does the Word Bachelor Come From?
The word bachelor has a long history in English.
It was once used for a young knight or a person of a lower rank. Over time, the word developed other meanings.
It eventually became strongly connected with an unmarried man.
The academic meaning also developed over time. Today, bachelor is commonly used as part of university degree names.
That is why we have expressions such as:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- bachelor’s degree
The word has changed over hundreds of years, but these meanings are still common today.
How Is Bachelor or Bachelors Understood in Culture and Stories?
The word bachelor has been used in stories, movies, books, and everyday conversations for a very long time.
In simple English, a bachelor usually means an unmarried man. The word can sometimes suggest a man who lives alone, enjoys his independence, or is not planning to marry.
For example:
“He is a wealthy bachelor who lives in the city.”
This sentence tells us that the man is unmarried. It may also create a picture of his lifestyle, but the word itself simply means an unmarried man.
You may also hear the phrase bachelor life.
Example:
“He enjoys bachelor life.”
This usually means living as an unmarried man and having an independent lifestyle.
Another common expression is bachelor party. This is a celebration held for a man before his wedding. In American English, this is a very common phrase.
Examples:
- My brother is having a bachelor party this weekend.
- His friends planned a bachelor party before the wedding.
- The bachelor party was a small family event.
Notice that bachelor is still singular in bachelor party because it describes the type of party.
You may also see bachelor pad.
A bachelor pad is an informal phrase for an apartment or home where an unmarried man lives.
Example:
“His bachelor pad is small but comfortable.”
This phrase is common in casual English and popular culture.
Bachelor in Education and College Life
The word bachelor has another very important meaning in modern English.
It is used for a university degree.
A bachelor’s degree is usually an undergraduate degree earned after completing a course of study at a college or university.
Examples include:
- bachelor’s degree in English
- bachelor’s degree in business
- bachelor’s degree in biology
- bachelor’s degree in education
- bachelor’s degree in computer science
You may also see official degree names such as:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
Here is the key difference:
“She has a bachelor’s degree in English.”
This is a general description.
“She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.”
This uses the official degree title.
Both can be correct, but they have slightly different structures.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor of Arts
This is one of the most useful differences to remember.
Bachelor’s Degree
Use bachelor’s degree when you are talking about the degree in a general way.
Example:
“I have a bachelor’s degree in history.”
Bachelor of Arts
Use Bachelor of Arts when giving the official name of the degree.
Example:
“I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History.”
The same pattern works with other degrees.
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Engineering
The word Bachelor does not need an apostrophe in these official names.
What Does the Apostrophe in Bachelor’s Mean?
The apostrophe in bachelor’s is easy to understand.
The phrase is:
bachelor’s degree
The ‘s connects the word bachelor with the word degree.
Think of it like this:
bachelor’s degree = a degree associated with a bachelor
You do not need to think about complicated grammar rules.
Just remember the common phrase:
bachelor’s degree
This will help you avoid the common mistake of writing bachelors degree.
Bachelor or Bachelors in Formal Writing
In formal writing, choosing the correct form is important.
Suppose you are writing a resume.
You might write:
“I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.”
That is correct.
You would not normally write:
“I earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration.”
The apostrophe is missing.
Now suppose you are talking about several unmarried men:
“Several bachelors attended the event.”
Here, bachelors is correct because the word is plural.
Compare These Sentences
He is a bachelor.
One unmarried man.
They are bachelors.
More than one unmarried man.
He has a bachelor’s degree.
One academic degree.
They have bachelor’s degrees.
More than one academic degree.
She earned a Bachelor of Science.
Official degree name.
These five examples cover most situations.
How People Actually Use Bachelor or Bachelors in Daily English
Example 1: Talking About One Person
“My uncle is a bachelor.”
This means your uncle is an unmarried man.
Example 2: Talking About Several People
“The three bachelors rented apartments nearby.”
There are three unmarried men, so bachelors is correct.
Example 3: Talking About Education
“She has a bachelor’s degree in English.”
The word bachelor’s is used because you are talking about an academic degree.
Example 4: Talking About Several Degrees
“The university offers bachelor’s degrees in many subjects.”
Here, degrees is plural.
Example 5: Giving an Official Degree Name
“He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology.”
There is no apostrophe in the official name.
Example 6: Talking About a Wedding
“His friends organized a bachelor party.”
The word is singular because the party is connected with one groom.
Example 7: Talking About Lifestyle
“He enjoys his bachelor life.”
This means he enjoys life as an unmarried man.
Example 8: Talking About a Home
“His bachelor pad is near the university.”
This is an informal phrase for an unmarried man’s home.
Common Phrases You Should Know
Learning common phrases can make bachelor much easier.
Bachelor’s Degree
A university degree.
Example:
“She completed her bachelor’s degree.”
Bachelor of Arts
An official degree title.
Example:
“He earned a Bachelor of Arts.”
Bachelor of Science
Another official degree title.
Example:
“She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.”
Bachelor Party
A celebration before a man’s wedding.
Example:
“They planned a bachelor party for him.”
Bachelor Life
Life as an unmarried man.
Example:
“He enjoys bachelor life.”
Bachelor Pad
An informal name for an unmarried man’s home.
Example:
“His bachelor pad is close to downtown.”
Eligible Bachelor
An unmarried man who is considered a good possible marriage partner.
Example:
“He was described as an eligible bachelor.”
This phrase is more common in stories, newspapers, and entertainment writing than in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Using Bachelors for One Person
❌ He is a bachelors.
✅ He is a bachelor.
One person means the singular form.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Apostrophe
❌ She has a bachelors degree.
✅ She has a bachelor’s degree.
The standard phrase uses an apostrophe.
Mistake 3: Adding an Apostrophe to Bachelor of Science
❌ She earned a Bachelor’s of Science.
✅ She earned a Bachelor of Science.
When you use the official degree title, write Bachelor of Science.
Mistake 4: Using Bachelor Degree
❌ He has a bachelor degree.
✅ He has a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degree is the standard form.
Mistake 5: Saying Bachelors When You Mean Degrees
❌ The college offers five bachelors.
✅ The college offers five bachelor’s degrees.
The word bachelors means more than one bachelor, not more than one degree.
Mistake 6: Confusing Bachelor’s and Bachelors
Look carefully:
bachelor’s → apostrophe + s
bachelors → s only
The meanings are different.
Easy Memory Trick
Here is a simple memory trick you can use.
One Man = Bachelor
Think:
One bachelor.
Many Men = Bachelors
Add s when there is more than one:
Two bachelors.
Degree = Bachelor’s
Think:
Bachelor’s degree.
The apostrophe belongs in this common phrase.
Official Degree = Bachelor of…
Think:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
No apostrophe.
So your memory card can be:
1 man → Bachelor
2+ men → Bachelors
Degree → Bachelor’s degree
Official title → Bachelor of Science
Practice Test
Choose the correct answer.
1. My cousin is a _____.
A. bachelor
B. bachelors
Answer: A. bachelor
2. The two men are _____.
A. bachelor
B. bachelors
Answer: B. bachelors
3. She earned a _____ degree in English.
A. bachelor
B. bachelor’s
Answer: B. bachelor’s
4. He earned a _____ of Arts.
A. Bachelor
B. Bachelor’s
Answer: A. Bachelor
5. The university offers several _____ degrees.
A. bachelor
B. bachelor’s
Answer: B. bachelor’s
6. His friends planned a _____ party.
A. bachelor
B. bachelors
Answer: A. bachelor
7. Which sentence is correct?
A. She has a bachelors degree.
B. She has a bachelor’s degree.
Answer: B. She has a bachelor’s degree.
8. Which sentence is correct?
A. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science.
B. He earned a Bachelor of Science.
Answer: B. He earned a Bachelor of Science.
Final Teacher Explanation
Imagine we are back in the classroom.
I write these words on the board:
Bachelor
Bachelors
Bachelor’s
Then I draw three simple pictures.
The first picture shows one unmarried man.
Under it, I write:
Bachelor
The second picture shows three unmarried men.
Under it, I write:
Bachelors
Then I draw a university diploma.
Under it, I write:
Bachelor’s degree
Finally, I write:
Bachelor of Science
Now the difference becomes clear.
- If you are talking about one unmarried man, use bachelor.
- If you are talking about more than one unmarried man, use bachelors.
- If you are talking about a college degree, use bachelor’s degree.
- If you are writing the official name of a degree, use Bachelor of…
For example:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Do not write:
Bachelor’s of Arts
The easiest thing to remember is:
One man = bachelor. More than one = bachelors. Degree = bachelor’s degree.
That one rule will solve most questions about bachelor or bachelors.
Quick Summary Bachelor or Bachelors
The difference between bachelor or bachelors depends on number and meaning. Bachelor means one unmarried man, while bachelors means two or more unmarried men. For education, the common phrase is bachelor’s degree, while official titles use Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Remember: one man = bachelor, many men = bachelors, degree = bachelor’s degree. If you use an official degree name, write Bachelor of… without an apostrophe.
Conclusion
Understanding bachelor or bachelors is simple when you focus on what you are talking about. Bachelor is singular, while bachelors is plural. When you talk about education, use bachelor’s degree, and when you give an official degree name, use Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or another Bachelor of… title.
The easiest memory trick is one man, many men, degree: bachelor, bachelors, bachelor’s degree. Keep this pattern in mind, and you will know which form to use in everyday conversations, school writing, resumes, and formal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bachelor or bachelors?
Use bachelor for one unmarried man and bachelors for two or more unmarried men.
Is it bachelor or bachelor’s degree?
The standard phrase is bachelor’s degree.
Is “bachelors degree” correct?
No. In standard English, write bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.
Is it Bachelor of Science or Bachelor’s of Science?
The official degree name is Bachelor of Science, without an apostrophe.
What is the plural of bachelor?
The plural is bachelors.
Can bachelor mean a degree?
Yes. Bachelor can be part of an academic degree name, such as Bachelor of Arts. It can also mean an unmarried man.
What is a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate college or university degree.
How do I remember bachelor vs bachelors?
Think one man = bachelor and many men = bachelors. For education, remember bachelor’s degree.