Nouns – Number

Understanding singular and plural nouns is fundamental to mastering English grammar. This article delves into the definition of plural nouns, the rules for converting singular nouns into plural forms, and provides examples and exercises to solidify your understanding.

Table of Contents

1. Definition of a Plural Noun

2. Changing a Singular Noun to a Plural Noun

• • Adding ‘s’
  • Adding ‘es’
  • Adding ‘ves’ for nouns ending with ‘f’ or ‘fe’
  • Adding ‘es’ to nouns ending with ‘o’
  • Adding ‘ies’ to words ending with ‘y’ preceded by a consonant
  • Adding ‘s’ to words ending with ‘y’ preceded by a vowel
  • Changing ‘us’ to ‘i’
  • Changing ‘is’ to ‘es’
  • Changing ‘on’ to ‘a’
  • Nouns with a common singular and plural form
  • Irregular nouns
  • Plural form for hyphenated nouns and relationships

3. Plural Noun Examples

4. The Golden Rule of Using Plural Nouns in Sentences – Subject-Verb Agreement

5. Plural Nouns and Tense Forms

6. Test Your Knowledge

7. Frequently Asked Questions on Plural Nouns

Definition of a Plural Noun

A plural noun refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, plural is defined as “relating to or consisting of more than one.” In English, plural nouns are generally formed by modifying their singular counterparts, often with specific rules for different word endings.

Changing a Singular Noun to a Plural Noun

Adding ‘s’

Most singular nouns form their plural by adding ‘s’.

Examples:

• • Dog → Dogs
  • Pen → Pens
  • Chair → Chairs

Adding ‘es’

Nouns ending in ‘s’, ‘ss’, ‘sh’, ‘ch’, ‘x’, or ‘z’ take ‘es’ to form the plural.

Examples:

• • Box → Boxes
  • Bush → Bushes
  • Church → Churches

Adding ‘ves’ for Nouns Ending with ‘f’ or ‘fe’

When a noun ends in ‘f’ or ‘fe’, the plural is often formed by changing the ending to ‘ves’.

Examples:

• • Wolf → Wolves
  • Knife → Knives
  • Wife → Wives

Adding ‘es’ to Nouns Ending with ‘o’

Some nouns ending in ‘o’ add ‘es’ to form the plural.

Examples:

• • Mango → Mangoes
  • Potato → Potatoes
  • Volcano → Volcanoes

Adding ‘ies’ to Words Ending with ‘y’ Preceded by a Consonant

If a noun ends in ‘y’ preceded by a consonant, change the ‘y’ to ‘ies’ to make it plural.

Examples:

• • City → Cities
  • Puppy → Puppies
  • Baby → Babies

Adding ‘s’ to Words Ending with ‘y’ Preceded by a Vowel

If the ‘y’ is preceded by a vowel, simply add ‘s’.

Examples:

• • Toy → Toys
  • Boy → Boys
  • Day → Days

Changing ‘us’ to ‘i’

Nouns of Latin origin ending in ‘us’ change to ‘i’ in the plural.

Examples:

• • Alumnus → Alumni
  • Cactus → Cacti
  • Fungus → Fungi

Changing ‘is’ to ‘es’

Nouns ending in ‘is’ change to ‘es’ in the plural.

Examples:

• • Crisis → Crises
  • Analysis → Analyses
  • Thesis → Theses

Changing ‘on’ to ‘a’

Nouns of Greek origin ending in ‘on’ form the plural by changing to ‘a’.

Examples:

• • Phenomenon → Phenomena
  • Criterion → Criteria

Nouns with a Common Singular and Plural Form

Some nouns remain the same in both singular and plural forms.

Examples:

• • Deer → Deer
  • Fish → Fish
  • Sheep → Sheep
  • Police → Police

Irregular Nouns

Irregular nouns form their plurals in unique ways, often with spelling changes.

Examples:

• • Man → Men
  • Woman → Women
  • Child → Children
  • Tooth → Teeth
  • Mouse → Mice

Plural Form for Hyphenated Nouns and Relationships

For hyphenated nouns and relationships, the plural is usually formed by making the primary noun plural.

Examples:

• • Brother-in-law → Brothers-in-law
  • Mother-in-law → Mothers-in-law
  • Son-in-law → Sons-in-law
  • randchild → Grandchildren

Plural Noun Examples

Examples:

• • Singular: Dog, Plural: Dogs
  • Singular: Child, Plural: Children
  • Singular: Knife, Plural: Knives
  • Singular: Man, Plural: Men

The Golden Rule of Using Plural Nouns in Sentences – Subject-Verb Agreement

When using plural nouns, ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number. Use plural verbs with plural nouns.

Examples:

• • The students are preparing for the test. (Plural subject ‘students’ with plural verb ‘are’)
  • The books on the shelf belong to him. (Plural subject ‘books’ with plural verb ‘belong’)

Plural Nouns and Tense Forms

The table below illustrates how plural nouns are used with various tense forms:

Test Your Knowledge

Convert the highlighted singular nouns into their plural forms:

1. The cat is sleeping on the mat.

2. I saw a child playing in the park.

3. The woman is baking a cake.

4. This knife is very sharp.

5. The policeman caught the thief.

Answers:

1. The cats are sleeping on the mat.

2. I saw children playing in the park.

3. The women are baking cakes.

4. These knives are very sharp.

5. The policemen caught the thief