Singular and plural
Singular Noun Definition: When a noun means one only, it is said to be singular.Examples: boy, girl, book, church, box
Plural Noun Definition: When a noun means more than one, it is said to be plural.Examples: boys, girls, books, churches
Rule #1
The plural of nouns is usually formed by adding - s to a singular noun.
| lamp | lamps |
| cat | cats |
| fork | forks |
| flower | flowers |
| pen | pens |
| chair | star | farm |
| storm | door | rock |
| owner | paper | cup |
Rule #2
Nouns ending in s, z, x, sh, and ch form the plural by adding - es.
| moss | mosses |
| buzz | buzzes |
| box | boxes |
| dish | dishes |
| church | churches |
Rule #3
Nouns ending in - y preceded by a consonant is formed into a plural by changing - y to - ies. Examples: lady, ladies; city, cities; army, armiesRule #4
Nouns ending in y preceded by a vowel form their plurals by adding - s.
Example: boy, boys; day, days
Rule #5
Most nouns ending in o preceded by a consonant is formed into a plural by adding es. Example: hero; heroes; grotto, grottoes
Rule #6Some nouns ending in f or fe are made plural by changing f orfe to - ves. Example: beef, beeves; wife, wives
IRREGULAR PLURALS
| man, men | foot, feet | mouse, mice |
| woman, women | tooth, teeth | louse, lice |
| child, children | ox, oxen | goose, gees |
scissors | oats | tongs | dregs |
| trousers | pinchers | bellows | snuffers |
| cattle | shears | measles | mumps |
| victuals | tweezers | vespers |
Some nouns are always singular. Some of these nouns may be used in the plural when different kinds are meant as sugars, coffees, cottons
| gold | silver | wheat | corn |
| molasses | copper | sugar | cotton |
To do exercises and see more information:
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/substantiv.htm
