Beginner 📐 Grammar · #2 of 305

Singular and Plural Nouns

Add -s to most nouns; add -es after s, x, ch, sh.

Examples

  • one cat, two cats
  • one box, two boxes

Key rules

  • Add -s to most nouns: cat → cats
  • Add -es after s, x, ch, sh, z: box → boxes
  • Consonant + y becomes -ies: baby → babies, but vowel + y just adds -s: day → days
  • Many nouns ending in -f or -fe change to -ves: knife → knives

Common mistakes

  • two box → two boxes
  • three babys → three babies
💡 Tip: Check the last letter before adding the plural ending.
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Related Beginner topics

See all Beginner grammar lessons →

Nouns: Naming Words

A noun names a person, place, thing or idea.

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns change form instead of adding -s.

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Countable nouns can be counted; uncountable ones cannot take a/an or plural.

Proper and Common Nouns

Proper nouns name specific things and start with a capital letter.

Subject Pronouns

I, you, he, she, it, we, they replace the subject.

Object Pronouns

me, you, him, her, it, us, them follow verbs or prepositions.