Formation of plural nouns

An English noun exhibits a two-way distinction of number: a singular form, denoting one of something, and a plural form, denoting two or more. Here are the guidelines for creating plural nouns.

Add -s to form the plural of most nouns.

boy: boys
girl: girls
computer: computers

Add -es if the noun ends in -s, -sh, -ch, or -x.

class: classes
wish: wishes
inch: inches
box: boxes

If a noun ends in consonant + y, change the -y to -i and add -es.

city: cities
lady: ladies

If a noun ends in vowel + y, add -s. Words ending in -quy don't follow this rule (as in soliloquies).

essay: essays
monkey: monkeys

Exception

soliloquy: soliloquies

Add -s to most nouns ending in -f.

Brief: briefs
Chief: chiefs
Proof: proofs

Exceptions: In some cases, change the -f to -v and add -es

Self: selves
Wolf: wolves
Leaf: leaves

In compound words, make the main word plural.

mother-in-law: mothers-in-law
passerby: passersby
sister-in-law: sisters-in-law

See also

Common errors with adverbs New!
Common errors with conjunctions New!
Expressing a condition
Expressing a concession or contrast
Common errors with adjectives
Common errors with pronouns
Common errors with nouns and noun phrases
Causative use of Have
Indirect questions

More CBSE English Grammar worksheets

Passive voice worksheet | Simple past tense
Passive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense