Plural Nouns helps you communicate about referring to more than one countable item. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can form regular and common irregular plural nouns.
- Recognise and build the form: noun-s/-es/-ies; irregular plural forms.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Plural Nouns for referring to more than one countable item. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
There are three books on the table.
Most nouns form the plural by adding '-s'.
Two buses stopped outside the station.
Nouns ending in '-s' normally add '-es'.
Several women attended the workshop.
'Women' is the irregular plural of 'woman'.
noun-s/-es/-ies; irregular plural formsKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Most nouns form the plural by adding '-s'.
- Nouns ending in '-s' normally add '-es'.
- 'Women' is the irregular plural of 'woman'.
- 'Children' is the irregular plural of 'child'.
- The noun 'sheep' has the same singular and plural form.
Common mistakes
Not:There are three book on the table.
Use:There are three books on the table.
Most nouns form the plural by adding '-s'.
Not:Two buss stopped outside the station.
Use:Two buses stopped outside the station.
Nouns ending in '-s' normally add '-es'.
Not:Several womans attended the workshop.
Use:Several women attended the workshop.
'Women' is the irregular plural of 'woman'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The ____ are playing in the garden.
children
'Children' is the irregular plural of 'child'.
We saw five ____ in the field.
sheep
The noun 'sheep' has the same singular and plural form.
Please put the clean ____ on the shelf.
dishes
Nouns ending in '-sh' form the plural with '-es'.