Plurals

The Basics

Most plurals are formed by simply adding -s to the singular noun: minute/minutes.

If the singular noun ends in a consonant + y, the y is changed to i and -es is added: party/parties.

If the singular noun ends in -ch, -s, -sh, -x or -z, the plural is made by adding -es: box/boxes. If it ends in a single -z, this is doubled: quiz/quizzes.

There are two kinds of nouns ending in -o. Some form plurals by adding -es: potato/potatoes. Some form plurals by simply adding -s. This group includes most new words: photo/photos.

A group of nouns ending in -f have plurals ending in -ves, including:

half/halves  

self/selves

knife/knives   

shelf/shelves

life/lives   

thief/thieves