The plural of ‘Chief’ is ‘Chieves’.

Answer: B) False

The plural of Chief is chiefs. It is not chieves . In English, some words ending with “f” or “fe” is often changed to ‘’ves” in the plural. For example, how thief”  is changed to “thieves” or “knife” is changed to “knives’. However, it is not always the case. There are exceptions. The word Chief is an exception, like others. This word follows a simple rule of adding “s” in the end to make the word plural. Therefore, by chiefs we mean two or more chiefs. This article explains why we don’t use the word Chieves, and how the correct plural is used in sentences with examples.

Why Isn’t It “Chieves”?

Finding the plural of a word can be tricky at times. Usually, the words ending with “f” or “fe’’ are changed into ‘’ves’’. For example, “wolf” to “wolves’’. However, there is a simple way to make a word plural as well. That is, to add ‘s’ towards the end. Thus, roof will become roofs- the plural.

The word Chief also follows a similar pattern. Therefore, to refer to two or more of the same person, we will use the word ‘Chiefs’- the plural. Therefore, chieves is an incorrect answer.

Examples in Sentences

The plural of Chief is chiefs. Here is how you can use the term ‘Cheifs’ in a sentence’

1. Singular– The chief spoke to the members of the community.
2. Plural– Chiefs representing different tribes assembled for the council meeting.

Other Words Ending in “f” or “fe”

Here are some examples of other words ending with “f” or “fe” 

Word (Singular)	Word (Plural)	Change Type
Thief	Thieves	Change to “ves”
Knife	Knives	Change to “ves”
Leaf	Leaves	Change to “ves”
Wolf	Wolves	Change to “ves”
Chief	Chiefs	Simply add “s”
Roof	Roofs	Simply add “s”
Cliff	Cliffs	Simply add “s”
Belief	Beliefs	Simply add “s”

Notice that some words like Chief become plural just by adding ‘s’ while others do not. The plural of Chief is chiefs. But the plural of words like Knife is Knives.

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