Plural nouns
To make a plural of a noun we usually add -s at the end of the word.
a train → trains
a lamp → lamps
a number → numbers
A few things in spelling to remember
If the noun ends in -s / -sh / -ch / -x / -z, we add -es at the end.
bass → basses
bush → bushes
bench → benches
fox → foxes
If the noun ends in a consonant + y, then the plural ending will be -ies.
fly → flies
baby → babies
berry → berries
If the noun ends in -f or -fe, the ending will be -ves.
wolf → wolves
leaf → leaves
knife → knives
Exceptions
Attention: exceptions!
Some words don’t form the plural according to the rules. You must remember them:
man → men
woman → women
child → children
foot → feet
mouse → mice
sheep → sheep
fish → fish
person → people
Pay attention!
Some nouns are always used in the plural.
glasses
scissors
All kinds of clothes with trouser legs are plural:
jeans
trousers
pants
tights
shorts
Examples
These jeans are too short. They don't fit me.
Your glasses are on the armchair. Don't sit on them.
Mixed table — How to form the plural of nouns
| -s | -es | -ies | -ves | exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| usually | after -s / -sh / -ch / -x / -z | after a consonant + y | after -f / -fe | man — men woman — women child — children foot — feet mouse — mice fish — fish sheep — sheep person — people |
| boy — boys car — cars |
bus — buses fox — foxes |
pony — ponies berry— berries |
wife — wives leaf — leaves |