1.10 Plurals
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one of that noun (while a singular noun indicates that there is just one of the nouns). Most plural forms are created by simply adding an -s or –es to the end of the singular word. For example, there’s one dog (singular) but three dogs (plural). However, English has both regular and irregular plural nouns. Regular plurals follow this rule (and other similar rules), but irregular plurals are, well, not regular and don’t follow a “standard” rule.
Let’s start with regular plurals: regular plural nouns use established patterns to indicate there is more than one of a thing.
As was mentioned earlier, we add the plural suffix –s to most words:
- cat → cats
- bear → bears
- zebra → zebras
However, after sounds s, z, sh, ch, and j, we add the plural suffix –es:
- class → classes
- sash → sashes
- fox → foxes
Some words that end in z also double their ending consonant, like quizzes.
After the letter o.
We also add the plural suffix –es to most words that end in o:
- potato → potatoes
- hero → heroes
- mosquito → mosquitoes
However, when the words have a foreign origin (e.g., Latin, Greek, Spanish), we just add the plural suffix –s
- taco → tacos
- avocado → avocados
- maestro → maestros
Note: While you won’t be expected to know which words have a foreign origin, being familiar with (or memorizing) some common words that use this plural can be really helpful. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, the dictionary is there for you!
After –y and –f, –fe
When a word ends in y and there is a consonant before y, we change the y to i and add –es.
- sky → skies
- candy → candies
- lady → ladies
However, if the y follows another vowel, you simply add an –s.
- alloy → alloys
- donkey → donkeys
- day → days
When a word ends in –f or –fe, we change the f to v and add –es.
- leaf → leaves
- life → lives
- calf → calves
However, if there are two terminal fs or if you still pronounce the f in the plural, then you simply add an –s:
- cliff → cliffs
- chief → chiefs
- reef → reefs
“1.3 Regular Plural Nouns” from Guide to Writing by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.—Modifications: Removed Practice
