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“En mass” or “en masse”: which is correct?

The short answer

The correct phrase is en masse, which is the French term used in English to indicate a collective action or gathering.

Spelling/usage error

Why people get it wrong

The error occurs because en mass is a phonetic misspelling of the correct French phrase en masse, which means in a group or all together. English speakers unfamiliar with French spelling and pronunciation may drop the final e because it is silent, leading to the misspelling.

Examples with en masse

  • The protesters marched en masse to the city hall.
  • The products were shipped en masse to the distribution center.
  • Fans left the stadium en masse after the game ended.

Quick check

The protesters marched   to the city hall.

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