Plurals in English

Description: Learn how to form plurals in English with this short video lesson and practice exercise.

Video Transcript: In English we usually add an S at the end of a word to make it plural - book→books. If a word ends with S, CH, SH, X, and sometimes with O, we add es to the word to make it plural. The word glass ends with an S, therefore we have to add es to make it plural - glass→glasses. If a word ends in a consonant and then Y, we change the Y to an I and then add es to make it plural - puppy→puppies. To make plural some words that end with F or FE, we remove the F or FE and add ves.

Rules
Usually we add an S to a word to make it plural. book → books If a word ends with an S, CH, SH, or X, we add "es." With some (but not all) words that end with O, we also add "es" to form the plural. glass → glasses If a word ends with a consonant and then the Y, we change the Y to an I and then add ES. (If the word ends with a vowel and then Y, it doesn't change.) puppy → puppies Some (but not all) words that end with F or FE, change to VES in the plural. leaf → leaves wife → wives

Rules

Usually we add an S to a word to make it plural.

book → books

If a word ends with an S, CH, SH, or X, we add "es." With some (but not all) words that end with O, we also add "es" to form the plural.

glass → glasses

If a word ends with a consonant and then the Y, we change the Y to an I and then add ES. (If the word ends with a vowel and then Y, it doesn't change.)

puppy → puppies

Some (but not all) words that end with F or FE, change to VES in the plural.

leaf → leaves
wife → wives

Practice

Writing Practice

Write five nouns and their plural forms. Write the "Writing Practice" in the comments section below.

Examples:
car - cars
baby - babies

Do you want more practice with plurals?

Passport to English - Plurals

Inglés Mundial - Plurales

See more "The English Minute" videos

Do you want to learn more English?