Plural Nouns

We can use nouns in the English language in their singular or plural form. Singular nouns are used to describe that there is just one of something. Plural nouns are used to describe that there is more than one.

Spelling Rules

Rule 1: We can form the plural by adding an -s to the singular.

Rule 2: With nouns that end with -s, -ch, -x, -z, we can form the plural by adding -es to the singular. Also, a -z at the end of a noun is doubled.

Rule 3: With nouns that end with -o, we can form the plural by adding -es to the singular. But, with nouns that end with vowel + o, abbreviations, and nouns that originate from foreign languages, we can form the plural using -s only.

Rule 4: With nouns that end with -y after a consonant, we can form the plural by adding -s and changing -y to -ie.

Note: In nouns that end with -y after a vowel, the ending before -s doesn’t change.

Rule 5: With many nouns that end with -f or -fe, we can form the plural by adding -es and changing -f/-fe to -v.

Irregular Plural Endings

Rule 6: Some English singular nouns have special plural forms that should be remembered separately.

Here are some of the most common English nouns with irregular plural endings:

Nouns Without Plural Ending

Rule 7: Some English nouns have the same endings in both singular and plural forms. These include some nouns whose singular form ends with -s, certain animals, and means of transportation ending with -craft.