Hello dear readers! Today you will learn how the plural is formed in English. The topic at first glance is not complicated, but there are many nuances that you should pay attention to.
In English, only countable nouns form the plural, that is, those that can be counted. Such nouns can have a singular or plural form. I think it's no secret to anyone what the plural is. If the singular is used to denote one thing or concept, then the plural is used to denote several things. So, now we will look at the basic rules for forming plurals in English. Plural of nouns in English
Formation of the plural
1. The plural of most nouns is formed by adding the ending −s to a singular noun.
−s reads:
[z] after vowels and voiced consonants
[s] after voiceless consonants
- a tie tie- tie s ties
- a teacher teacher— teacher s[ˈtiːʧəz] teachers
- a room room- room s rooms
- a map map— map s cards
2. Nouns that end in consonants s, ss, sh, ch, tch, x, plural endings take -es which reads [ɪz].
- a match match- match es[ˈmæʧɪz] matches
3. Nouns that end in a vowel -O, in the plural also take the ending -es.
- hero hero- hero es[ˈhɪərəʊz] heroes
- tomato tomato−tomato es tomatoes
If before the final -O there is a vowel, then the plural noun takes the ending -s.
- radio radio- radio s[ˈreɪdɪəʊz] radios
- kangaroo kangaroo— kangaroo s kangaroo
If a noun that ends in -O in the singular, is an abbreviation, then in the plural it also takes the ending -s.
- photo (graph) photo)— photo s[ˈfəʊtəʊz] photos
- kilo(gramme) kilo (gram)- kilo s[ˈkiːləʊz] kilograms
In some cases, variations are possible with −s And -es.
- flamingo flamingo— flamingo s flamingo es flamingo
- volcano volcano- volcano s, volcano es volcanoes
4. To nouns that end in -y, and before the end -y a consonant is added, the ending is added -es And at changes to i.
- a factory factory, plant− factor ies[ˈfæktəriz] factories, factories
In case before −y there is a vowel, no changes occur, and the plural is formed by adding the ending -s.
- a day day-day s days
5. Plural of some nouns that end in f, fe, is formed by substitution f consonant v and adding the ending -es. The following nouns obey this rule:
- сalf calf− cal ves calves
- half half− hal ves halves
- elf elf−el ves elves
- knife knife−kni ves knives
- leaf tree leaf−lea ves leaves
- life life−li ves life
- loaf loaf−loa ves loaves
- self self− sel ves ourselves
- sheaf bunch—shea ves[ʃiːvz] ligaments
- shelf shelf− shel ves[ʃɛlvz] shelves
- thief thief− thie ves[θiːvz] the thieves
- wife wife− wi ves wives
- wolf wolf −wolves wolves
In some cases, variations with endings are possible f And v.
- hoof hoof-hoo fs, hoo ves hooves
- scarf scarf—scar fs, scar ves scarves
- wharf pier—whar fs, whar ves piers
Plural of exclusion 6. Some nouns retain archaic plural forms. The plural of such nouns is formed by changing root vowel or by adding an ending — en.
- a man man− m e n men
- a woman woman− wom e n [ˈwɪmɪn] women
- brother ["brʌðər] brother− br e thr en["breðrɪn] brethren
- foot leg− f ee t legs
- goose goose-g ee se geese
- louse ["laus] louse−l i ce lice
- mouse mouse— m ic e mice
- tooth tooth-t ee th teeth
- a child [ʧaɪld] child− childr en[ˈʧɪldrən] children
- ox [ɒks] bull—ox en[ˈɒksən] bulls
7. In English, the singular and plural forms of some nouns are the same.
- craft ship - ships
- works factory - factories
- species["spi:ʃi:z] biol. species - species
- headquarters ["hed"kwɔ:təz] main department - central authorities
- alms [ɑːmz] alms − alms
- barracks [ˈbærəks] barracks - barracks
- corps military diploma housing - housings
- grouse partridge − partridge
- crossroads [ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz] road intersections - crossroads
- deer deer - deer
- sheep [ʃiːp] sheep - sheep
- fish ["fɪʃ] fish - fish
- fruit fruit − fruit
- gallows [ˈgæləʊz] gallows - gallows
- trout trout − trout
- means means - means
- salmon ["sæmən] salmon - salmon
- series ["sɪəri:z] series − series
- swine pig - pigs
8. Some nouns that are of Latin or Greek origin have retained their archaic form in the plural.
- analysis [ə"næləsɪs] analysis− analyzes [ə"næləsi:z] tests
- axis ["æksɪs] axis− axes ["æksɪz] axes
- basis ["beɪsɪs] the basis− bases ["beɪsi:z] basics
- crisis ["kraɪsɪs] a crisis− crises ["kraɪsi:z] crises
- datum ["deɪtəm] given value− data ["deɪtə] data
- erratum typo− errata list of typos
- formula [ˈfɔ:rmjulə] formula− formulae ["fɔ:rmjuli:], formulas ["fɔ:rmjuləz] formulas
- locus ["ləukəs] location− loci ["ləusaɪ] locations
- memorandum [, memə"rændəm] record "for memory"− memoranda [, memə"rændə], memorandums [, memə"rændəmz] notes
- nucleus cell-nuclei cells
- phenomenon phenomenon− phenomenal phenomena
- radius ["reɪdɪəs], [ˈreɪdjəs] radius− radii ["reɪdɪaɪ] radii
- species [ˈspiːʃiːz] type, type- species [ˈspiːʃiːz] types, types
- thesis [ˈθiːsɪs] thesis- theses [θiːsiːz] theses
9. In English there are a number of nouns that are used only in the plural.
- binoculars − binoculars
- breeches ["brɪtʃɪz] − breeches
- glasses ["aɪglɑːsɪz] − glasses
- jeans [ʤiːnz]− jeans
- pajamas, pajamas − pajamas
- pliers [ˈplaɪəz] − pliers
- scissors [ˈsɪzəz] − scissors
- shorts ʃɔːts − shorts, panties
- stockings[ˈstɒkɪŋz] − socks
- tights − tights
- tongs - forceps
- trousers [ˈtraʊzəz] - trousers
- proceeds [ˈprəʊsiːdz] − income
- surroundings neighborhood
- riches [ˈrɪʧɪz] − wealth
- thanks [θæŋks] − Gratitude
- wages [ˈweɪʤɪz] − earnings
Pluralizing compound nouns
1. Compound nouns that are written together form the plural by adding an ending to the second element.
- schoolgirl schoolgirl— schoolgirl s schoolgirls
- policeman police officer— policem e n police
2. If a compound noun, which is written with a hyphen, includes the words man or woman, as one of the constituent parts of a word, then all parts of the word take the plural.
- woman-writer writer− wom e n-writer s writers
- gentleman-farmer gentleman farmer− gentlem e n-farmer sgentleman farmers
3. Compound nouns, which are written with a hyphen, form the plural by changing the key element.
- family-name surname− family-name s surnames
- commander-in-chief commander in chief− commander s-in-chief commanders-in-chief
4. If there is no noun element in a compound noun, then the plural is formed by adding the ending −s to the last element.
- forget-me-not forget-me-not− forget-me-not s forget-me-nots
- merry-go-round carousel− merry-go-round s carousels
Note!
1. In English, some uncountable nouns can be used as countable nouns.
Uncountable: success - luck, success (in general terms))
- Success is in the details. − A scrupulous attitude to business is the path to success.
Calc. :a success successful result− success essuccessful results
In English there are two numbers of nouns, just like in Russian: singular and plural (in some languages it happens differently). At first glance, it may seem that the plural of nouns in English is formed according to some difficult, incomprehensible rules. In fact, everything is simple, since in most cases the plural is formed according to the basic rule, and the remaining cases are quickly memorized with practice.
Rules for forming the plural of nouns in English
1. Basic rule
In most cases, the plural of nouns in English (plural) is formed using the ending -s. Pay attention to how this ending is pronounced:
- After vowels and voiced consonants - like [z],
- After voiceless consonants - like [s].
However, if you are confused about the pronunciation of -s at the end of a word, you will certainly be understood.
2. Nouns ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -z, -ss
What if the word ends with – s? In this case (for greater euphony and ease of pronunciation) you need to add -es. The same goes for words -ss,-sh, – ch, – x, -z.
Ending -es helps to pronounce combinations of sounds that would be difficult to pronounce without it. Let me remind you, -es added at the end of words to -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z. Imagine what it would be like without -es:
watchs, matches, boxes, buss (!), classes (!!!)
Agree, it’s much easier to pronounce the words:
watches, matches, boxes, buses, classes.
3. Nouns ending with consonant + y
consonant + ending -y, That -y changes to -ies .
If a noun ends in vowel + ending -y, then to -y is added -s. In other words, the plural is formed according to the basic rule.
4. Nouns ending with -o
If a noun ends in -o, you need to add -es.
Exceptions:
- photo – photos (photo),
- memo – memos (memo).
- piano – pianos (piano),
5. Nouns ending in -f, -fe
In nouns ending in -f or - fe, need to replace -f or - fe on -ves.
6. Table: plural nouns in English
This image provides a quick summary of the rules for forming the plural of a noun.
Special cases of plural formation in English
In English there are exceptions to the rules for forming plurals. Most of them concern rather rare words; the most important thing to remember is the cases from the first paragraph (man - men, woman - women, etc.), since they are the most frequent.
1. Main exceptions: the plural is not formed according to general rules
A number of nouns form their plurals in a non-standard way:
Note: the word women is pronounced [ˈwɪmɪn].
2. The plural and singular forms are the same
Some nouns have the same plural and singular forms. These include:
3. Nouns used only in the singular
As in Russian, some nouns in English are used only in singular or plural. These include:
1. Abstract, uncountable nouns
- Knowledge - knowledge,
- Love - love,
- Friendship - friendship,
- Information - information,
2. Names of sciences and academic disciplines in -ics
Although they end in -s, these words are used in the singular.
- Ecomonics - economics,
- Physics - physics,
- Aerobics - aerobics,
- Classics – classic literature.
3. And others
- Money - money,
- Hair - hair.
3. Nouns used only in the plural
As in Russian, many names of paired objects do not have a singular number
- Pants - trousers,
- Scissors - scissors,
- Glasses – glasses (for the eyes, not glasses in the game),
Some words that are used in English only in the plural are used in Russian in the plural and singular:
- Goods – product, goods.
- Clothes - clothes.
Note: clothes is or clothes are?
Often have difficulties with words clothes - clothes. Should we use it as singular or plural? How to write correctly: clothes is or clothes are?
We are accustomed to the fact that “clothes” is a singular number in the Russian language, so we strive to use the English clothes in the Russian manner, as if it were a singular noun, but this is a mistake. In English this word is plural and is used accordingly:
- Wrong: Your clothes are so dirty. -Your clothes are so dirty.
- Right: Your clothes are so dirty. -Your clothes are so dirty.
4. Plural of compound nouns
Compound nouns consist of more than one word and can be written:
- Separately or with a hyphen: mother-in-law(mother-in-law), assistant headmaster(assistant school principal).
- Together: postman(postman), schoolboy(schoolboy).
In separate compound nouns, as a rule, the word with the main meaning takes the plural form:
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When we talk about a subject Oh, phenomena I, people I, we use the plural. In the article we will analyze the general rules for the formation of the plural, give examples and indicate exception words that do not lend themselves to the rules. And at the end of the article you will find a detailed table in which we have collected all the rules, exceptions and many examples, so that you always have a cheat sheet on the plural form at hand. Shall we begin?
The basic rule for forming the plural of nouns
- The general rule fits most nouns in English, and it sounds like this: to a word in the singular you need to add - s, and we get the plural.
A spoo n – spoo ns (spoon - spoons).
A do g – do gs (dog - dogs). - s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -tch, -z, -x, then we add - es.
A bru sh – bru shes (brush - brushes).
A tor ch – tor ches (torch - torches).
A mat ch – mat ches (match - matches). - If the noun ends in - y(And - at reads like Russian /i/), then - y disappears and is added - ies.
A count y – countr ies (country – countries).
A cherry y – cherr ies (cherry - cherries). - If the noun ends in - ay, -ey, -oh (-y at the end is read as Russian /й/), then we simply add - s.
A b oh – b oys (boy - boys).
A t oh – t oys (toy - toys). - If the noun ends in - O, then add - es.
A tomato o – tomato oes (tomato - tomatoes).
A her o – her oes (hero - heroes).A pian o – pian os (piano – several pianos)
A kil o – kil os (kilogram – kilograms)
A photo o – phot os (photography – photographs)
A video o – video os (video – several videos)
A flaming o – flaming os (es) (flamingos – several flamingos)
A volcano o – volcan os (es) (volcano - volcanoes) - If the noun ends in - f or - fe, That - f changes to - v and adds - es.
A loa f – loa ves (loaf – loaves).
A wi fe – wi ves (wife - wives).
Plural of "irregular" nouns
- Some nouns do not follow any rules. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to learn by heart the plural form of such nouns.
- A man - men(man - men).
- A person – people(person people).
- A woman – women(woman's woman).
- A mouse – mice(mouse - mice).
- A foot - feet(leg legs).
- A child – children(children).
- A tooth – teeth(tooth teeth).
- A goose – geese(goose - geese).
- An ox – oxen(bull - bulls).
- And then there are nouns that have the same forms, both singular and plural.
- A fish - fish(fish - fish).
- A fruit – fruit(fruit - fruit).
- A deer - deer(deer - deer).
- A sheep - sheep(sheep – sheep).
- A Swiss – Swiss(Swiss – Swiss).
- Many words borrowed from Greek and Latin are also considered exceptions to the general rule. And their plural form must also be remembered. Below are a few words. We have compiled a more complete list in the table at the end of the article.
- A phenomenon – phenomena(phenomenon – phenomena).
- A datum – data(information).
- A formula – formulae(formula - formulas).
- A genius – genius(genius - geniuses).
Let's now see how the teacher Rebecca With engvid explains this topic in English. Even if your level of English is not high, you will understand what she is saying anyway, since she speaks slowly and uses words that are already familiar to us.
Plurals of uncountable nouns in English
All nouns in English can be divided into two groups: countable and uncountable. The nouns that we have examined so far in this article are considered countable - they all have a plural form. This means that they can be counted: one boy ( a boy) - two boys ( two boys), one man ( a man) – three men ( three men) etc.
But there are also nouns in English that are used only in the singular; they simply do not have a plural form. Such nouns are called uncountable. Russian also has similar words: information (information), coffee (kofii). Uncountable nouns in English include the following groups:
- All bulk and liquid substances: water(water), cream(cream), rice(rice).
- Abstract concepts: success(success), happiness(happiness), love(Love).
- Words information(information), advice(advice), money(money), news(news), furniture(furniture).
- You will find a detailed list of countable and uncountable nouns in this.
What if we need to count the number of these uncountable nouns? In this case, we do not count the objects and phenomena themselves, but what they are measured by. For example, we cannot say "two sugars", but we can say "two kilogram sugar", "two spoons sugar", "two sachet sugar" - in all these cases we count sugar using units of measurement of bulk solids. By the way, please note that in the Russian language in all examples the word “sugar” is in the singular. Each of the uncountable nouns has its own units of measurement:
- A bottle of milk – two bottles of milk(a bottle of milk – two bottles of milk).
- A kilo of rice – three kilos of rice(a kilogram of rice – three kilograms of rice).
- A glass of juice – ten glasses of juice(a glass of juice – ten glasses of juice).
- We have dedicated a separate article “” to the words with which we measure uncountable nouns.
Without the rules for forming the plural, it is impossible to speak English competently, because this topic is closely related to the use of verbs, articles and other parts of speech. Therefore, it is so important to have a good understanding of all the rules. Don't forget to download the table so you can always navigate and choose the correct plural option.
And take the test to remember the rules better.
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Plural of nouns in English
Today we will learn everything about the formation of plurals in English. It would seem that it is enough to add -s to the end of the word, and the plural form of the noun is ready! But it's not that simple. Let's figure it out.
A noun is a part of speech that denotes an object (a chair), a person (a child), an animal (a cat), a substance (milk), a phenomenon (rain) or an abstract concept (happiness) - happiness).
It is important to remember that the plural or singular form of a noun is also important for agreeing the subject (who?/what?) with the predicate (what does?). With countable nouns we use the singular or plural form of the verb. And with uncountable nouns we use only the singular verb.
Kids are curious. - Children curious.
My kid is curious. - My child curious.
The milk is too hot for me. - Milk too hot for me.
So that the rules for forming the plural are not forgotten, but firmly settled in the head, they need to be practiced. To do this, sign up at.
Basic rules for forming plurals in English
There are several ways to form the plural of countable nouns in English:
- The most common rule is to add the ending -s to a singular noun:
an apple – apples (apple – apples)
a pen – pens (pen – pens)
a problem – problems (problem – problems)We pronounce the ending -s as /z/ after voiced consonants or vowels. For example: dogs /dɒɡz/ (dogs), hands /hændz/ (hands), keys /kiːz/ (keys).
If a word ends in a voiceless consonant, then the ending -s is pronounced /s/. For example: lamps /læmps/ (lamp), myths /mɪθs/ (myths), skirts /skɜːts/ (skirts).
- If a word ends in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch or -x, then the ending -es must be added to form the plural.
a bus – buses (bus – buses)
a dress – dresses (dress – dresses)
a brush – brushes (brush – brushes)
a watch – watches (hours – several hours)
a box – boxes (box – boxes)In this case, we pronounce the ending -es as /iz/. For example: glasses /ɡlɑːsiz/ (glasses), boxes /bɒksiz/ (boxes).
Let's listen to blogger Rachel's pronunciation:
- If a word ends in -o, then the ending can be -es or -s. To choose the right one, it is better to consult a dictionary.
Ending -es:
a tomato – tomatoes (tomato – tomatoes)
a hero – heroes (hero – heroes).Ending -s:
a kilo – kilos (kilogram – kilograms)
a photo – photos (photography – photographs) - If a word ends in -y preceded by a consonant, the plural ending is -ies.
a cherry – cherries (cherry – cherries)
a lady – ladies (lady – several ladies)
a puppy – puppies (puppy – puppies)But if there is a vowel before -y, then you don’t need to change anything - just add the ending -s.
a boy – boys (boy – boys)
a day – days (day – days)
a monkey – monkeys (monkey – monkeys) - There are a number of nouns that change their plural ending -f/-fe to -ves. Such exceptions include the following words:
a calf – calves (calves of the legs – calves of the legs)
an elf – elves (elf – elves)
a shelf – shelves (shelf – shelves)
a half – halves (half – halves)
a knife – knives (knife – knives)
a thief – thieves (thief – thieves)
a leaf – leaves (leaf – leaves)
a life – lives (life – lives)
a loaf – loaves (loaf – loaves)
a wife – wives (wife – wives)
a wolf – wolves (wolf – wolves).And words such as a dwarf (dwarf, gnome), a hoof (hoof), a scarf (scarf), a wharf (pier) in the plural can have both the ending -fs and -ves.
- There are a number of nouns whose plural form you just need to remember.
a person – people (person – people)
a man – men (man – men)
a woman – women (woman – women)
a child – children (child – children)
a foot – feet (foot – feet)
a tooth – teeth (tooth – teeth)
a goose – geese (goose – geese)
a mouse – mice (mouse – mice)
a louse – lice (louse – lice)
an ox – oxen (bull – bulls) - And another group is nouns whose singular and plural forms are the same. Here are some of them:
a sheep – sheep (sheep – sheep)
a swine – swine (pig – pigs)
an aircraft – aircraft (aircraft – aircraft)
a means – means (means – means)
a crossroads – crossroads (crossroads – crossroads)
a series – series (series – series)
Special cases of plural formation in English
- Uncountable nouns in English
What should we do if we still need to indicate the plural quantity of something uncountable? In this case, the noun itself must be preceded by words indicating its quantity:
- Capacity, container:
two cartons of juice - two packs of juice
three bottles of wine - three bottles of wine
four cups of tea - four cups of tea
five glasses of water - five glasses of water
six jars of jam - six jars of jam
seven boxes of cereal - seven boxes of cereal
eight cans of coke - eight cans of cola
nine tins of tuna - nine cans of tuna
ten tubes of toothpaste - ten tubes of toothpaste - Unit of measurement:
two kilos of sugar - two kilograms of sugar
three liters of petrol - three liters of gasoline
four pounds of butter - four pounds of butter
five meters of cable - five meters of cable - Unit (product, product):
three loaves of bread - three slices of bread
four bars of chocolate - four chocolate bars
five slices of cheese - five pieces of cheese
If you cannot find a unit of measurement for an uncountable noun, use the construction piece of.
He gave me three pieces of advice. - He gave me three tips.
Pay attention to nouns where the ending -s does not indicate plural, as these are uncountable nouns.
gymnastics - gymnastics
billiards - billiards
measles - measles
maths - mathematicsMeasles is an infectious disease. - Measles- infection.
Gymnastics is my favorite sport. - Gymnastics- My favorite sport. - Capacity, container:
- Nouns that are used only in the plural. Accordingly, these words are used with a plural verb.
police - police
cattle - cattle
clothes - clothes
stairs - stairsThe police are looking for the robbers. - Police are looking for robbers.
Also, nouns that are used only in the plural include objects consisting of two parts - paired. Most often these are tools, clothing and accessories.
jeans - jeans
trousers - trousers
pajamas (BrE), pajamas (AmE) - pajamas
tights - tights
pliers - pliers
pincers - tongs
shears - secateursTo form the plural of paired nouns, use the phrase pairs of.
She wants to try on a few more pairs of sunglasses before the purchase. - Before buying, she wants to try on more several pairs of sunglasses.
You should have at least two pairs of binoculars for birdwatching. - You should have at least two pairs of binoculars for bird watching. - Collective nouns
Collective nouns denote a group of people or things that are considered as a single unit. With such nouns we can use either a singular or plural verb.
staff - staff
a team - team
a crew - crew
a family - family
a company - companyMost often it doesn't matter which number you choose, but sometimes one of the forms is more appropriate for the context. It all depends on whether you are talking about the group as a whole (singular) or looking at each member of the group separately (plural).
The team was playing well. - Team played well.
The team were playing well. - Everyone's on the team played well.My family is very important to me. - My family very important to me.
My family are going away next weekend. - All my family members leaving next weekend.
We hope you remember everything about forming the plural of nouns in English. And if you are in doubt about choosing the right form, contact. You will find more topics in our series of articles “” and “”.
We suggest you take our test to consolidate the material.
Test on the topic “Plural nouns in English”
The plural of nouns in English is a simple topic, however, there are some nuances that need to be paid attention to. Let's thoroughly analyze all the rules for forming plurals in English.
Special cases of plural formation
In English there are nouns that form the plural without ending -s because they change their root vowel:
Nouns used only in the singular
There are a number of nouns that are used exclusively in the singular - these are uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns include:
Names of substances and materials:
- Silver - silver
- Air – air, atmosphere
- Iron – iron (element), etc.
Some products:
- Salt - salt
- Sugar - sugar, etc.
Abstract concepts:
- Love - love
- Bitterness - bitterness
Names of diseases:
- Chickenpox - chicken pox
- Mumps - pig
- Rabies - ringworm
- Rickets - rickets
Collective nouns:
- Furniture - furniture
- Luggage - luggage
- rubbish - rubbish
- fruit - fruit, fruits, etc.
Pay attention to the word fruit.
As a rule, the plural coincides with the singular: fruit – fruit (fruit-fruit). However, the plural fruits is used to refer to different types of fruits.)
On the table there are apples, plums and other fruits.
There are apples, plums and other fruits on the table.
Languages: Chinese, French, English, Spanish, etc.
Please note that the following nouns also do not have a plural form.
Advice, information, progress, knowledge, weather
These nouns are used only in the singular.
She gave me some good advice. “She gave me some good advice.”
They have very little information on this subject. – They have very little information on this issue.
Her knowledge of Italian is poor. — She has poor knowledge of the Italian language.
Exception:
Set expression Inallweathers- In any weather
Nouns money(money) and hair(hair) is always used in the singular.
My money is on the table. — My money is on the table.
She has beautiful brown hair. — She has beautiful brown hair.
Note:
Hair(meaning hair) can be used in the plural form.
My mother has lots of gray hairs. – My mother has a lot of gray hair.
Noun news(news, news) is always used in the singular.
What time is the News on the radio? – What time is the news broadcast on the radio?
The names of sciences and sports ending in -ics (mathematics, physics, phonetics, gymnastics, athletics, etc.) are used in the singular, although they have a plural form.
Athletics is my favorite sport. – Athletics is my favorite sport.
Note:
Words politics meaning political views and statistics in the meaning of statistical data, they are used with plural verbs.
Next sport games also have a singular form:
- drafts, checkers - checkers
- billiards - billiards
Nouns used only in the plural
There are a number of nouns that are used in English only in the plural, although in Russian they are used in the singular:
- Arms - weapons
- Clothes - clothes
- Contents - content
- Customs - customs
- Dregs - sediment
- Embers – hot ash
- Outskirts - outskirts
- Premises – premises, house (with adjacent buildings)
- Proceeds - revenue
- Stairs - stairs
- Wages – wages, etc.
The following nouns that do not have the ending s/es are used exclusively in the plural
- Police - police
- Cattle - cattle
- Poultry - poultry
- People - people
- Clergy – clergy
Name of many paired items are used, as in Russian, only in the plural:
- Scissors - scissors
- Trousers - trousers
- Spectacles - glasses
- Scales - scales
- Tongs - tongs,
- Jeans - jeans,
- Pajamas - pajamas
But, if they are used with the expression a pair of, then the verb and other determiners are put in the singular:
I need a new pair of trousers - I need new trousers (a new pair of trousers).
Special cases of using number of nouns
It is necessary to separately stipulate some cases of forming the plural of English nouns:
Noun penny(pence) has two plural forms:
- Penny – rence(when talking about a monetary amount)
- Penny – pennies(when individual coins are meant)
It costs ten pence. - It costs 10 pence.
Pennies are made of bronze. — Pence (i.e. one penny coins) are made of bronze.
Nouns export and import are used in the plural form exports, imports when talking about the quantity or value of exported or imported goods:
Poland exports to the Ukraine have greatly increased. – Polish exports to Ukraine, as well as Polish imports from this country, have increased significantly.
When referring to the process of export or import, the singular forms export and import are used:
That company is engaged in the export and import. – This company is engaged in export and import.
Some collective nouns can be used with singular or plural verbs, depending on the shade of meaning.
With plural verbs, such nouns will be used if all members of a given group of people or structure are meant and the statement can be fully attributed to each member of the group.
In the singular – if the group is considered as a whole.
These are the nouns:
- Army - army
- Audience - public
- Choir - choir
- Crew - team
- Crowd - crowd
- Family - family
- Government - government
- Public – public, society
- Staff
- Team - team
Our team is the best. – Our team is the best.
The team discuss strategy before every game. — The team discusses strategy before each game.
Co countries in the plural, the verb and other determiners are always used in the singular.
The United States is located in North America.
When it comes about the amount of money, period of time, distance, etc., considered as a single whole, then plural nouns are used with a singular verb.
Three thousand pounds was too much to lose in a casino. “It was too much to lose three thousand pounds in a casino.”
Note:
We also use the verb and other determiners in the singular when we consider two parts as one whole, when they are connected and:
Fish and chips. Fish and chips (one dish) Fish and chips is very tasty. The fish and chips are delicious.
"War and Peace" is the longest book I’ve ever read. — “War and Peace” is the longest work I have ever read.
In expressions
- a two-week holiday – two week vacation,
- a three-year-old boy- three year old boy
where cardinal numbers + noun are components of a compound adjective, they do not form a plural.
A dozen is a dozen, a score is twenty, a hundred is one hundred, a thousand is a thousand, a - million million, when they are preceded by a numeral, they have the same form for the singular and plural
I have three dozen eggs.
When there is no numeral, the plural is formed according to the general rule.
Pack the pens in dozens, please. – Pack pens by the dozen, please.
Hundreds of students came here. – Hundreds of students came here.
I hope you have learned all the rules for forming plurals, as well as special cases of using numbers in English.
You can test yourself on the rules of plural formation by completing these