Singular vs. Plural Nouns: Learn Key Differences through Rules & Examples

Singular vs. Plural Noun: Have you ever felt like there is a secret code behind using the rules of articles (a, an, and the) with different types of nouns? Well, somewhere, at some point, we all have sailed in the same boat. But did you know that decoding the difference between singular nouns and plural nouns can definitely take you a step closer to understanding the articles a little better if not completely evading every single grammatical mistake in English like a pro? While we are at it, this blog will aid you in mastering the key differences between those two nouns and using them with clarity, and who knows, you might end up becoming a grammar nazi in the process? 

What are Singular Nouns and Plural Nouns?

To understand the differences between the two, first, imagine yourself in a grammar-themed party. You may witness there some nouns representing solo attendees (singular), while others bringing their whole crew (plural). This is your queue, a singular noun represents one single entity, it can be anything from a book to an elephant. 

On the other hand, a plural noun is a representative of a multitude, meaning, a symbol of more than one noun. In a way one book becomes ‘books’ and an elephant becomes ‘elephants’.

Also Read: Nouns: Examples, Definition, Types

What is the Difference between Singular and Plural Noun?

If you are familiar with both nouns, you can easily pinpoint that they differ only in numerology. In other words, any person, place or thing that represents a certain number is either a singular or plural noun. Check the table given below for examples:

Singular	Plural
Apple	Apples
Bridge	Bridges
Boat	Boats
Goat	Goats

Everything else is differentiable on the basis of the conversion rules for nouns, which is discussed in the later paragraph. In the meantime, steal a glance at the image below to observe the basic difference between the two.

5 Rules for Converting Singular to Plural Nouns with Examples

Unlike the examples in the table above, certain singular words change pattern to become plural. Therefore, make sure to follow these rules while changing a singular noun into a plural noun:

1️⃣: Add ‘-es’ to singular words ending with vowels (a, e, i, o, u) or ‘s, x, sh, ch’

Examples:

Singular	Plural
Apple	Apples
Potato	Potatoes
Gas	Gases
Axe	Axes
Wish	Wishes
Pitch	Pitches

Exceptions

Here are some exceptions for adding “es:”

• Piano – Pianos
• Photo – Photos
• Halo – Halos
• Volcano – Volcanos/Volcanoes [Both are correct]

2️⃣: If a word ends with a ‘y’ and the letter preceding it is also a consonant, make it plural by replacing ‘y’ with ‘-ies’. But, if the alphabet before the consonant ‘y’ is a vowel, then just add an ‘s’ for pluralisation. 

Examples:

Singular	Plural
City	Cities
Spy	Spies
Daisy	Daisies
Ray	Rays
Boy	Boys

3️⃣: In some scenarios, if a noun ends with the consonant ‘s’ or ‘z’, you must double the alphabet (‘s’, ‘z’) and then add the ‘es’ to pluralise. 

Examples:

Singular	Plural
Bus	Busses
Fez	Fezzes

4️⃣: If the noun is ending with the alphabets ‘f or -ef’, change it with an ‘s’. However, in exceptional cases, you would have to replace ‘f/-ef’ with the suffix ‘-ve and then add the consonant ‘s’ to complete the word. 

Examples:

Belief	Beliefs
Roof	Roofs
Chief	Chiefs
Chef	Chefs

Exceptions

Here are some exceptional examples:

• Wife – Wives
• Calf – Calves
• Wolf – Wolves

5️⃣: Singular words ending with ‘-us’ and ‘-is’ gets replaced with ‘i’ and ‘-es, respectively. Whereas, noun ending with ‘-on’ takes on the form of ‘a’ as plurals. 

Example

Focus	Foci
Cactus	Cacti
Ellipsis	Ellipsis
Analysis	Analyses
Criterion	Criteria
Phenomenon	Phenomena

Quick Read: Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Nouns: Singular & Plural | English Grammar & Composition Grade 2 | Periwinkle

15+ Singular and Plural Noun Exceptions You Cannot Overlook

Before you go on implementing the above-mentioned rules in your daily life, don’t forget to beware of these conversion exceptions and not commit any stupid grammar mistakes: 

Man	Men
Woman	Women
Child	Children
Tooth	Teeth
Mouse	Mice
Foot	Feet
Goose	Geese
Louse	Lice
Die	Dice
Crisis	Crises
Genus	Genera
Datum	Data
Means	Media
Series	Series
Sheep	Sheep
Deer	Deer

Explore more reads on nouns below!

Common Noun	Abstract Nouns
What are Singular Nouns?	Plural Nouns
Collective Nouns	Compound Nouns
What are Material Nouns?	What are Possessive Nouns?

This was all about singular vs. plural nouns and exceptions. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.