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Plural only nouns in English grammar are special nouns that exist only in their plural form and do not have a singular version. These words name things that usually come in pairs or are treated as a group. For example, the noun scissors always refers to a single object but is used in the plural form, just like trousers or glasses. These nouns often describe items with two parts or tools used as one unit. Learning about plural-only nouns helps us understand how English grammar describes everyday objects and makes our language more accurate and fun to use.
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What are Plural Only Nouns?
In English, plural only nouns are special nouns that are always used in their plural form and do not have a singular version. These nouns usually refer to items made of two joined parts like scissors or trousers, tools that function as a unit, or ideas considered as a collective group, such as earnings or surroundings. Since they describe things that are not treated as a single item, they always take plural verbs in sentences.
Explore:
- Singular and Plural Verbs: Definition, Examples, Chart
- Singular and Plural Verbs Worksheet With Answers: Download Free PDF
Why Are Some Nouns Always Plural?
Some nouns in English are always used in the plural form because of how we see or use the things they describe. These nouns often name objects that naturally come in pairs, like trousers, scissors, or glasses. Even though they refer to a single item, they are made of two joined parts and are treated as plural in grammar.
For example, scissors have two blades that work together, and glasses have two lenses. We use them as one object, but the language treats them as plural. The same rule applies to items like trousers, binoculars, and pliers, which are tools or objects made of two parts that function as a single unit.
Types of Plural-Only Nouns
After learning why some nouns are always plural, let us now explore the different types of plural-only nouns. These nouns can be grouped based on what they describe or how they are used in everyday life. Understanding these types will help you recognise and use them correctly in sentences.
1. Things with Two Matching Parts
Some nouns are always plural because they describe things that are naturally made of two equal or connected parts. These items may look like one object, but they function as a pair, either for the body or as a tool. That is why they are never used in the singular and always take plural verbs in sentences.
To understand these plural-only nouns with two matching parts, let us explore them under three main categories
Clothes
Certain clothing items are designed with two connected parts, such as two legs or two sleeves. While we wear them as a single item, their design requires them to be treated as plural in grammar. That is why we say trousers are or shorts are, not a trouser or a short.
Examples:
i. Trousers: My trousers are too tight to wear today.
ii. Jeans: His jeans are made of strong denim fabric.
Iii. Shorts: These shorts are perfect for hot weather.
Tools and Instruments
Many tools and instruments are built with two arms, handles, or parts that must move together to work properly. Although we use them as a single item, they rely on both parts, which is why they are always considered plural and used with plural verbs.
Examples:
i. Scissors: The scissors are too blunt to cut paper.
ii. Pliers: Pliers are used to grip and bend metal wires.
iii.Tongs: The tongs are used for serving food.
Eyewear
Eyewear refers to items worn on the face, generally for vision correction or protection. Each item includes two lenses, one for each eye, which makes them plural by nature. Even when referring to a single pair, English language treats these nouns as plural.
i. Glasses: My glasses help me see clearly at a distance.
ii. Spectacles: His spectacles were left in the car.
iii. Goggles: Goggles protect your eyes while swimming or working.
2. Collections, General Ideas, or Groups of Things
Some plural-only nouns do not refer to objects with two physical parts, but instead describe collections, general ideas, or groups made up of many elements. These nouns are always used in the plural form because they represent a total amount, a group of items, or a combined action. Even when we talk about them as a single concept, they still require plural verbs and are treated as plural in grammar.
To better understand these plural-only nouns related to collections, ideas, or group concepts, let us explore them under three main categories: Money and Possessions, Emotions and Expressions, and Places and Institutions.
Personal Stuff or Possessions
Personal stuff or possessions refer to a group of items that belong to someone, such as things they carry, own, or keep for personal use. Although we may think of them as one set or collection, these nouns are always treated as plural in English grammar because they involve multiple items.
Examples:
i. Belongings: Please gather your belongings before leaving.
ii. Goods: The goods were delivered on time.
iii. Assets: All his assets were transferred to his daughter.
Feelings or States of Mind
Feelings or states of mind, emotions, reactions, or gestures, usually in a polite or formal way.
Although these emotions may seem like a single thought or gesture, English grammar treats them as plural because they represent a group of feelings or expressions shared or offered.
Examples:
i. Thanks: Thanks are due to all the volunteers.
ii. Congratulations: Congratulations are in order for your achievement.
iii. Regards: Send my regards to your family.
Money Terms
Money terms refer to words that describe income, savings, payments, or financial resources. Even when we talk about one total amount, these nouns are always used in the plural form because they represent a collection of amounts or transactions over time.
Examples:
i. Wages: Wages are paid every Friday at this factory.
ii. Earnings: Her earnings have increased steadily this year.
iii. Savings: His savings are enough to buy a new laptop.
Locations or Leftovers
Locations or leftovers refer to places, boundaries, or remains that include more than one part or area. Even though we may be talking about a single place or event, these nouns are always plural in English grammar because they describe something spread out, remaining, or made up of several parts.
Examples:
i. Surroundings: The surroundings were quiet and filled with greenery.
ii. Outskirts: They live on the outskirts of the city.
iii. Premises: The premises are under 24-hour surveillance.
Also Read: Singular vs. Plural Nouns: Learn Key Differences through Rules & Examples
How To Use Plural Only Nouns in Sentences?
Plural-only nouns can be tricky because they appear to refer to more than one item, even when they describe just one object or idea. This is because these nouns always take the plural form and follow the rules of plural grammar. To help understand this better, the section titled ‘How to Use Plural Only Nouns in Sentences’ will explain the correct ways to use plural-only nouns in English.
| Rule | Explanation | Examples |
| Used with plural verbs | Plural-only nouns are always treated as plural in grammar, so they must be used with plural verbs such as are, have, were, or do. | i.My trousers are too long to wear. ii. The scissors have become blunt. |
| Do not use a or an before them | The plural only nouns do not have a singular form, so articles like a or an cannot be used directly before them. | Incorrect: She bought a jeans. Correct: She bought a pair of jeans. |
| Use a pair of to refer to one item | When talking about one object made of two connected parts, such as trousers, spectacles, or scissors, use the expression a pair of in plural only nouns. This helps make it clear that you are referring to a single item that has two parts. | i.I need a pair of scissors to cut the paper. ii. He wears a pair of goggles while swimming. |
| Use quantifiers like some, these, or those | When referring to plural only nouns in a general or non-specific way, use quantifying words like some, these, or those. | i.She bought some new trousers for the trip. ii. These glasses are perfect for reading.Those shorts look too tight. |
| Understand group meanings from context | Some plural-only nouns refer to collective ideas, emotions, or amounts. Even though they refer to one concept, they are always used in the plural form. | i.Thanks are appreciated after every event. ii. His savings have grown steadily over the years. |
Exercise: Plural Only Nouns
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the plural only noun given in brackets. Use proper sentence structure and plural verbs.
1. My __________ are torn at the knee. (Jeans)
2. The __________ were left on the bathroom sink. (Scissors)
3. His __________ are locked in a drawer for safety. (Valuables)
4. These __________ are ideal for summer. (Shorts)
5. I bought a new __________ of sunglasses yesterday. (Pair)
6. The __________ are high this month due to extra work. (Earnings)
7. A __________ of binoculars is needed for birdwatching. (Pair)
8. The __________ are used during surgery. (Forceps)
9. Please pack your __________ before you check out. (Belongings)
10. The __________ are peaceful and surrounded by nature. (Surroundings)
11. Her __________ have increased since last year. (Savings)
12. We need to buy a new __________ of trousers for the wedding. (Pair)
13. The __________ are heating up due to global warming. (Outskirts)
14. __________ are not enough to show how grateful I am. (Thanks)
15. His __________ were praised during the award ceremony. (Congratulations)
Answers:
1. Jeans
2. Scissors
3. Valuables
4. Shorts
5. Pair
6. Earnings
7. Pair
8. Forceps
9. Belongings
10. Surroundings
11. Savings
12. Pair
13. Outskirts
14. Thanks
15. Congratulations
Plural-only nouns, though used for single items or group ideas, always appear in plural form. By understanding their structure and usage, we can gain clearer insight into how English represents everyday objects and shared concepts according to grammar.
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FAQs
Ans. Plural only nouns are special types of nouns in English grammar that always appear in the plural form and do not have a singular version. They usually describe things that come in pairs, sets, or represent a group or collection.
Ans. No, you cannot say a scissor or a trouser because these nouns do not have a singular form. Instead, you should say a pair of scissors or a pair of trousers when referring to one item.
Ans. Plural only nouns always take plural verbs. For example, we say the scissors are sharp or her jeans have a tear because these nouns are treated as plural in grammar.
Ans. No, not all clothing items are plural only nouns. Only those with two connected parts, such as trousers, shorts, or pajamas, are always plural. Clothing items like shirt, coat, or dress have both singular and plural forms.
Ans. To refer to one item of a plural only noun, you can use expressions like a pair of followed by the noun. For example, say a pair of binoculars, a pair of pliers, or a pair of leggings to talk about one item.
We hope this blog on ‘Plural Only Nouns’ was informative and helped you improve your English skills. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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