In English grammar noun rules, there are only plural and singular nouns, but even though there are only two types, there can be some confusion when it comes to certain irregular ones that can change a lot when they go from singular to plural. The normal rule is to add an “s” when a noun becomes plural, but there are certain nouns that can change entirely.
Nouns in English are not hard, though many of them can get difficult if you don’t know their irregular forms. The same happens with verbs, however, nouns are the ones most affected by this. Pluralization is a big part of English grammar rules, and if you don’t follow it correctly you may end up writing totally unintelligible sentences or totally inaccurate writings with no sense at all.
But as English Grammar Rules can be very extended, we’re going to show you some of the most common problems with plural nouns and their rules so you can fix them if you tend to commit any of them. Take a look further and find out!
Also you can find more information according to the basic rules for capitalizing titles, here.
Common Plural Noun Problems in English
There are many, many different rules in English nouns. They are maybe the most common type of words we use when we write and talk, so it is totally important to know them and identifying them depending on the context. On the other hand, most plurals can actually change just depending on the last letter of the word. Take a look:
Basic plural form:
The basic plural form of nouns when singular ends in a consonant is to add an “s” at the end of the word.
Dog – Dogs
Car – Cars
Nouns terminating in –s, -sh, –ss, -ch, -z or –x:
When nouns terminate in any of these combinations, you need to add an “es” at the end of the word.
Bus – Buses
Fish – Fishes
Fuss – Fusses
March – Marches
Whizz – Whizzes
Sex – Sexes
Some noun ending in –s or –z are required to double the letters:
When a noun ends or –s or –z, it is possible that it will need a doubling of that last letter and the adding of a further –es.
Quiz – Quizzes
Gas – Gasses
Nouns terminating in –f or –fe:
When a noun ends in –f or –fe, it is necessary to change the last letters for –ve and finally add a –s in order to put the plural form.
An example of noun in a sentence:
The calf is a singular noun referring to a singular piece of muscle, where calves are the plural form referring to multiple pieces of muscles.
A knife can cut through paper, but many knives can cut through many papers
To know more about colon punctuation, you can here.
Nouns terminating in –y after a consonant:
When a noun ends in –y doing the work of a vowel, it is necessary to change the “y” for “ies” if you want to transform it into the plural.
An example of noun in a sentence:
The proxy of the server is not proper as it doesn’t match with other proxies
Nouns terminating in –y after a vowel:
When a noun ends in –y and there’s a vowel before it, you just need to simply add an “s” and it will be correct.
An example of noun in a sentence:
The key is not here alongside the other keys
Nouns terminating in –o:
When a noun terminates in –o, you just need to add a simple –es without eliminating the –o.
However, there are some exceptions like photos, nachos, pianos and so on. Also, there are words which can be used with both forms like a volcano, where you can use “volcanos” or “volcanoes” as you desire.
Some nouns don’t change when pluralized
There are some nouns that you don’t need to change when you go from singular to plural like these:
Sheep – Sheep
Bacteria – Bacteria
Mucus – Mucus
Deer – Deer
However, these nouns depend a lot on the context, as they can be easily misunderstood.
Irregular nouns
These are one of the most difficult types of nouns to use. For this, there are no rules, you just need to know the correct form of each in order to correctly be editing sentences and not make anyone get confused.
Mouse – Mice
Child – Children
Man – Men
Foot – Feet
Woman – Women
Person – People
Tooth – Teeth
As you see there are multiple types of singular and plural noun formulas you need to learn in order to know nouns in English. However, there are many more rules you need to know if you want to nail perfect English grammar rules. If you want to know them, take a look at our English Grammar Noun Rules at our website and find out!
