Here are more spelling rules of plural nouns in English. This is a follow-on lesson for plural forms.
In English, most nouns get -s ending for their plural forms. The plural forms change according to the ending of the nouns. However, there are many exceptions in plural forms. The origins of English Language and the adoption of foreign words play a very important role in making so many plural form exceptions in English.
Exceptions
1. Nouns that end with -o
Nouns that end with -o have two alternatives. Some go with -s and some go with -es. Here are some common examples:
| -s ending | -es ending |
piano ⇒ pianos bamboo ⇒ bamboos photo ⇒ photos zoo ⇒ zoos | hero ⇒ heroes tomato ⇒ tomatoes mosquito ⇒ mosquitoes echo ⇒ echoes |
If the letter before -o is a vowel (a,e,i,o,u), a foreign noun or a shortened for example... studio ⇒ studios (the letter before -o is a vowel) tango ⇒ tangos (a foreign noun) kilo ⇒ kilos (the shortened version of kilogram ) |
2. Nouns that end in -f or -fe
Nouns that end in -f or -fe, usually take -ves ending. However, there are some nouns that only take -s ending. Here are some common examples:
belief ⇒ beliefs
roof ⇒ roofs
surf ⇒ surfs
chef ⇒ chefs
chief ⇒ chiefs
giraffe ⇒ giraffes
Greek or Latin Origins
The words which come from Greek or Latin have kept their original plural forms, though in some nouns the English version is also possible.
| Singular Noun | Plural Noun |
| formula | formulae (the English version "formulas" is also possible) |
| alumnus | alumni |
| cactus | cacti (the English version "cactuses" is also possible) |
| curriculum | curricula (the English version "curriculums" is also possible) |
| index | indices (the English version "indexes" is also possible) |
| crisis | crises |
| analysis | analyses |
| phenomenon | phenomena |
Plural Form but Singular Verb?
Some nouns are in the plural form. However, they are singular, indeed. They are usually uncountable nouns. They are usually games, diseases or academic subjects. Here are some common examples:
The news is on TV now.
Physics is my favourite lesson.
I don't know this billiards game.
Let's play dominoes.
It's a great game.
Gymnastics is not in the schedule.
Measles is a highly contagious disease.
Remember that uncountable nouns do not have a plural form. They always For example... Give me His |
Always Plurals
Some nouns are always in the plural form. They have no singular form and go with a plural verb. They usually refer to items of clothing or tools that have two parts.
For example...
Watch out! There are scissors on the floor.
I like those trousers.
These binoculars are amazing.
I need my glasses. They were on the table.
Here are some more nouns that do not go into clothing or tools category: These stairs have high steps. His earnings have increased recently.
Items of clothing that have two parts are always plural. When you want to For example... There is a pair of scissors on the floor. I've got three pairs of scissors. Here is my new pair of jeans. |
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns,also called group nouns,are used to refer to group of people, suc as team, crew, family etc. They are usually followed by a singular verb. However, when you want to take the individuals separately (not as a single unit) you need to use a plural verb form.
for example...
The family is having a big meal.
Eric's football team are enjoying themselves at the party. (We are thinking the members of the team separately. Some members are having a drink, some members are just chatting, other are dancing etc.)
Collective nouns can be followed by both singular and plural verbs. It  depends on the context. If you talk about them as a single unit, use singular forms. However,"police" is always followed by a plural verb.When you want to state a one person from police department, you use policeman,policewoman or police officer. |
Exercise
