• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Formation of plural nouns

July 16, 2010 pdf

The plural noun is generally formed by adding -s to the singular.

Cow (singular), cows (plural)
Boy, boys
Girl, girls
Book, books
Tree, trees
Dog, dogs
Pen, pens

Nouns ending in -s, -sh, -ch or -x form the plural by adding -es to the singular.

Class (singular), classes (plural)
Brush, brushes
Kiss, kisses
Match, matches
Dish, dishes

Most nouns ending in -o also form their plural by adding -es to the singular.

Mango (singular), mangoes (plural)
Hero, heroes
Potato, potatoes
Volcano, volcanoes

Note that a few nouns ending in -o merely add -s.

Dynamo (singular), dynamos (plural)
Piano, pianos
Photo, photos
Logo, logos
Kilo, kilos

Nouns ending in a consonant + y form their plural by changing -y into -i and adding -es.

Baby (singular), babies (plural)
Lady, ladies
City, cities
Story, stories

The following nouns ending in -f or -fe form their plural by changing -f or -fe into v and adding -es.

Thief (singular), thieves (plural)
Wife, wives
Leaf, leaves
Half, halves
Self, selves
Calf, calves
Loaf, loaves
Knife, knives
Elf, elves
Wolf, wolves
Shelf, shelves

Most other nouns ending in -f or -fe add -s.

Chief (singular), chiefs
Gulf, gulfs
Safe, safes
Proof, proofs

A few nouns form their plural by making some changes to inside vowels.

Foot (singular), feet (plural)
Man, men
Woman, women
Tooth, teeth
Mouse, mice
Goose, geese

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Communicative” October 23, 2026
  • Icky vs. gross vs. nasty vs. disgusting vs. revolting vs. vile October 23, 2026
  • Comparatives Exercise October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Proposition” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stagnation” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Dumb” October 23, 2026
  • The origin and meaning of “off the cuff” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Phrases for Declining Requests at Work Politely October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Plausible” October 23, 2026
  • Maybe, perhaps, possibly, conceivably, probably and definitely: How to choose October 23, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap