Singular and plural
One or more than one: the plural spelling rules, the irregular ones, and the apostrophe that never belongs.
The answer
A singular noun means one (dog), and a plural noun means more than one (dogs), usually made by adding -s or -es.
Examples
One dog barked; three dogs howled.
Most nouns just add -s.
I made a wish, then two more wishes.
Add -es after s, x, z, ch or sh.
A fly landed, then lots of flies arrived.
A consonant then y: change the y to i and add -es.
One mouse chased two mice.
An irregular plural.
The child waved to the other children.
How to spot it
- Singular means one; plural means more than one. Try putting one or two in front: one fox, two foxes.
- Listen for an extra syllable: box, boxes. That is your clue to add -es.
- The verb changes with the noun: the dog barks, the dogs bark.
The common mistake
Adding an apostrophe to make a plural.
‘Two dog’s barked’ is wrong. A plural just adds -s or -es: two dogs barked. An apostrophe shows belonging or missing letters, never plural.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 1
- On the pupil word list
- Year 1, as “singular”
Year 1 names singular and plural and adds -s or -es to nouns (dog, dogs; wish, wishes). Year 2 spelling adds -es to words ending in y (fly, flies). Year 4 teaches the difference between plural and possessive -s.
Try a question
Write the plural of each noun.
box, baby, tooth
Show the answer
Answer: boxes, babies, teeth
Box ends in x, so add -es. Baby ends in a consonant then y, so change y to i and add -es. Tooth is irregular.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Form a plural
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Why is it boys but babies?
Boy has a vowel before the y, so it just adds -s. Baby has a consonant before the y, so the y changes to i and -es is added.
What are irregular plurals?
Plurals that do not add -s or -es, such as mice, children, teeth, feet and people. They have to be learned.
Do some nouns have no plural?
Yes. Non-countable nouns such as money, advice and information are not usually made plural: some advice, not two advices.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.