Most singular nouns are called regular nouns and form plural by adding -s or -es: boy – boys, cat – cats, box – boxes, etc.
Some nouns are irregular and do not follow the same rules as the regular ones. Below, you find the most common ones.
-f becomes -ves | |
Singular | Plural |
calf | calves |
elf | elves |
knife | knives |
leaf | leaves |
thief | thieves |
wife | wives |
Exceptions: roofs, proofs | |
-o becomes -oes | |
Singular | Plural |
echo | echoes |
embargo | embargoes |
hero | heroes |
potato | potatoes |
tomato | tomatoes |
torpedo | torpedoes |
Exceptions: pianos, photos | |
-is becomes -es | |
Singular | Plural |
axis | axes |
analysis | analyses |
crisis | crises |
diagnosis | diagnoses |
hypothesis | hypotheses |
oasis | oases |
thesis | theses |
Substantial change | |
Singular | Plural |
foot | feet |
goose | geese |
man | men |
mouse | mice |
ox | oxen |
tooth | teeth |
woman | women |
Unchanged plurals | |
Singular | Plural |
aircraft | aircraft |
deer | deer |
fish | fish |
gallows | gallows |
offspring | offspring |
sheep | sheep |
species | species |
Latin or Greek origin | |
Singular | Plural |
alumnus | alumni |
cactus | cacti |
criterion | criteria |
curriculum | curricula |
fungus | fungi |
stimulus | stimuli |
syllabus | syllabi |
Plural nouns with a singular verb
Some nouns have a plural form but take a singular verb.
Plural nouns with a singular verb | Sentences |
news | The news is at 6.30 p.m. |
athletics | Athletics is good for young people. |
linguistics | Linguistics is the study of language. |
darts | Darts is a popular game in England. |
billiards | Billiards is played all over the world. |
Plural nouns with a plural verb
Some nouns have a fixed plural form and take a plural verb. They are not used in the singular form.
Plural nouns with a plural verb | Sentences |
binoculars | Where are my binoculars? |
clothes | Where are my clothes? |
jeans | Where are my jeans? |
scissors | Where are my scissors? |
trousers | Where are my trousers? |