The easiest way to make a singular noun plural is to add “s.”
Singular Plural
lake lakes
Exception #1: Add “es” to a noun ending in“s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh.”
Singular Plural
kiss kisses
mix mixes
quiz quizzes
church churches
bush bushes
Exception #2: Add “ies” to a noun ending in a consonant plus “y.”
Singular Plural
city cities
story stories
Exception #3: Some plural nouns are irregular, and you have to memorize them. Here are some examples:
Singular Plural
foot feet
life lives
Exception #4: Some nouns sound plural, but they are actually singular.
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
The local news is covering the story tonight.
The team is meeting for pizza after the game.
Exception #5: Some plural nouns seem like singular items, but they actually take a plural verb.
My jeans are frayed and dirty.
My glasses are foggy.
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Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article about making singular nouns plural:
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Basic Rule - Adding "s": The easiest and most common way to make a singular noun plural is to add "s." For instance:
- Singular: dog, Plural: dogs
- Singular: lake, Plural: lakes
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Exception #1 - Adding "es" to Specific Endings: When a singular noun ends in "s," "x," "z," "ch," or "sh," you add "es" to make it plural:
- Singular: kiss, Plural: kisses
- Singular: mix, Plural: mixes
- Singular: quiz, Plural: quizzes
- Singular: church, Plural: churches
- Singular: bush, Plural: bushes
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Exception #2 - Adding "ies" to Consonant + "y" Endings: If a singular noun ends in a consonant followed by "y," replace the "y" with "ies" to make it plural:
- Singular: city, Plural: cities
- Singular: story, Plural: stories
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Exception #3 - Irregular Plurals: Some plural forms deviate from the standard rules, and you need to memorize them:
- Singular: foot, Plural: feet
- Singular: life, Plural: lives
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Exception #4 - Singular Nouns for Plural Concepts: In some cases, a noun may appear singular but refers to a concept that is inherently plural:
- Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
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Exception #5 - Plural Nouns with Singular Verb Agreement: Occasionally, plural nouns take a singular verb form:
- Example: The team is meeting for pizza after the game.
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Plural Nouns with Singular Appearance: Some plural nouns may seem like singular items but still take a plural form:
- Example: My jeans are frayed and dirty.
- Example: My glasses are foggy.
Understanding these rules and exceptions is crucial for anyone seeking mastery in English grammar, ensuring clear and accurate communication. If you have further questions or if there's another aspect of language you'd like to explore, feel free to ask.
