Plural Nouns: Definition, Rules, Examples & Exercises

Plural nouns as one of the types of nouns and parts of speech, denote more than one place, thing, event or idea within a sentence. One of the most common ways to change a singular noun to a plural noun is by simply adding ‘s’ or ‘es’ at the end of the word. However, there are many other plural noun rules to follow along with several exceptions. So, if you want to learn more about plural nouns then do check this blog out. 

Also Read: Nouns: Examples, Definition

What are Plural Nouns?

As discussed above, a Plural Noun refers to when there is more than one of the nouns you need to address. Most plural nouns are created by simply adding -s or -es at the end of the singular word. 

For example, there is one dog (singular noun) (also referred to as there is only one dog). There are three dogs (plural noun) (referring to that there is more than one dog). 

However, this is not the full stop in the world of grammatical rules. The English language is quite tricky, it has both regular and irregular plural nouns. 

Also Read: Noun, Verb, Adjective, & Adverb

How Do Plural Nouns Work?

Upon changing a simple plural noun, you can simply add -s or -es at the end of the word. However, this rule may change depending on the ending of the sentence. In some cases, even the letters of the original word are changed to make it plural. 

Example: half when converted into plural form is written as halves. 

In the case of an irregular plural noun, there is an exception. Here, each irregular plural noun has its own unique plural noun form. 

Example: mouse changes to mice and goose changes to geese.

Some nouns can also be changed into plural nouns, these include collective nouns that represent groups. 

Example: One Team [Singular Noun]

                 Two Teams [Plural Noun]

Plural Nouns Rules

Here are some basic Plural Noun rules which will help you in writing as well as give you a basic understanding of this topic.

#Rule No. 1: Add -s and -es suffixes

The first and the most simple rule is to add -s and -es at the end of the word when converting them to plural form. Below we have listed an example which will give a better idea.

Example: Bananas – Bananas

                 Book – Books

If the word ends with -ss, -ch, -x. Then you can simply add the suffix ‘-es’ at the end.

Example: Horse – Horses

                 Fox – Foxes

                 Bench – Benches

#Rule No. 2: Add -y and -ie suffixes

The next rule is if a noun ends with ‘-y’ and is preceded by a consonant, you can add the suffix ‘-es’ and change the ‘y’ to an ‘i’. 

Example: Cherry – Cherries

                 Baby – Babies

In cases where there is a vowel before the letter ‘-y’, simply add ‘-s’ without the need to change anything. 

Example: Boy – Boys

                 Day – Days

                 Cowboy – Cowboys

#Rule No. 3: ‘-o’ endings

In cases where the word ends with a vowel (such as ‘o’), you can simply add ‘s’ at the end of it. 

Example:  Stereo – Stereos

                  Pistachio – Pistachios

If there is a consonant before the ‘o’ then you can always add ‘es’ in the end. 

Example:  Hero – Heroes

                  Veto – Vetoes

In some words, just adding ‘s’ at the end of the word is enough to make it a plural noun. 

Example: Piano – Pianos

#Rule No. 4: Add ‘-v’ in the end.

If a noun ends with ‘-f’ or ‘-fe’ in the end, then you can simply replace it with ‘v’ and add ‘es’ in the end. 

Example: Wife – Wives

                 Loaf – Loaves

Remember there are exceptions, if there is a word like ‘chef’ then this rule won’t apply. You can simply replace it with ‘chefs’.

For nouns ending with ‘-ff’, you can change it by simply adding ‘s’ in the end. 

Example: Cliff – Cliffs

                 Puff – Puffs

#Rule No. 5: Double ‘s’, ‘z’ and add ‘es’

If a word ends with ‘s’ or ‘z’, you can change it by doubling the ‘s’ or ‘z’ and adding ‘es’ at the end. 

Example: Fez – Fezzes

                Gas – Gasses

When using plural nouns, see that you change the verb accordingly so that the sentences don’t look grammatically incorrect. 

Note: There are always exceptions no matter how many rules are there. It is up to you how you use your knowledge and change the word accordingly. 

Plural Nouns Examples

To give you a better understanding of the usage of these plural nouns and the above-mentioned rules that can be implemented in the sentences. Check out these examples which will help you. 

1. The children are playing football in the garden.
2. The dogs from the street were rescued yesterday.
3. The yellow cars are so wonderful.
4. The teachers were late for class.
5. The meetings for the day were cancelled. 
6. All these people had been waiting for this day.
7. This Wednesday, we will all have been living in London for a year.
8. Marie has oranges for breakfast every morning.
9. Peter likes having fruits for breakfast.

Plural Nouns Exercises

Here is a small quiz to check your knowledge. Fill in the blanks with the correct plural noun.

1. She is ill, her ____ (foot) is hurt.
2. (Goose) ______ like water.
3. (Guitar) ______ are expensive.
4. The company is sending some ______ (man) to fix the rooftop.
5. My (child) ________ are eating their favourite curry.
6. Where did you put the (knife) ______?

Check Your Answers!

1. Feet
2. Geese
3. Guitars
4. Men
5. Children
6. Knives

Check More Blogs!

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Determiners in English Grammar	What is an Article?
Confusing Words in English	Compound Words

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