In the English language, plural means more than one of a noun. Plural nouns can be formed in different ways depending on the spelling of the singular noun.
Rule 1:
Most singular nouns form the plural by adding -s at the end.
Examples:
- Cat ➜ Cats
- Dog ➜ Dogs
- Book ➜ Books
- Chair ➜ Chairs
- Table ➜ Tables
Rule 2:
Singular nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -sh, or -ch form the plural by adding -es at the end.
Examples:
- Box ➜ Boxes
- Buzz ➜ Buzzes
- Dish ➜ Dishes
- Watch ➜ Watches
- Quiz ➜ Quizzes
Rule 3:
Singular nouns ending in a consonant + y form the plural by changing the y to i and adding -es at the end.
Examples:
- Baby ➜ Babies
- City ➜ Cities
- Cherry ➜ Cherries
- Lady ➜ Ladies
- Party ➜ Parties
However, singular nouns ending in a vowel + y form the plural by adding -s at the end.
Examples:
- Boy ➜ Boys
- Day ➜ Days
- Key ➜ Keys
- Monkey ➜ Monkeys
- Toy ➜ Toys
Rule 4:
Singular nouns ending in -f or -fe form the plural by changing the f or fe to v and adding -es at the end.
Examples:
- Calf ➜ Calves
- Knife ➜ Knives
- Life ➜ Lives
- Shelf ➜ Shelves
- Thief ➜ Thieves
However, some singular nouns ending in -f or -fe form the plural by adding -s at the end.
Examples:
- Chief ➜ Chiefs
- Cliff ➜ Cliffs
- Roof ➜ Roofs
- Safe ➜ Safes
- Wolf ➜ Wolves
Rule 5:
Some singular nouns have irregular plural forms.
Examples:
- Child ➜ Children
- Foot ➜ Feet
- Man ➜ Men
- Tooth ➜ Teeth
- Woman ➜ Women
It is important to remember the plural spelling rules as they can help you to communicate effectively in writing. Knowing the rules can also help you avoid common mistakes in writing plural nouns.