Number of Nouns
1. Number shows whether one is meant, or more than one.
2. There are two Numbers : --
The Singular NumberThe Plural Number
The Singular number denotes only one object.
boy, girl
The Plural number denotes more than one object.
boys, girls.
The Plural is generally formed by adding s to the Singular :
pen pens chair chairsbook books garden gardens
When the noun ends in s, x, ch, or sh, the Plural is formed by adding es to the Singular : -
glass glasses watch watchesbox boxes dish dishes
If the noun ends in y, and the y has consonant going before it, the Plural is formed by changing y into ies : -
duty duties army armiesfly flies lady ladies
But if the y has vowel going before it, the Plural is formed by simply adding s : --
day days key keysboy boys monkey monkeys
Most nouns ending in f or fe form the Plural by changing f or fe into ves
calf calves life livesknife knives wife wivesleaf leaves thief thieves
If the noun ends in o, and the o is preceded by a consonant, the Plural is generally ( not always ) formed by adding es to the Singular : --
cargo cargoes negro negroeshero heroes potato potatoes
But if the o is preceded by a vowel, the Plural is formed by simply adding s to the singular : --
bamboo bamboos curio curioscuckoo cuckoos studio studios
Some nouns from their Plurals irregularly :
man men tooth teethwoman women mouse micefoot feet ox oxengoose geese child children
Some Nouns have the same from in the Plural as in the Singular : -
deer deer fish fish ( fishes )sheep sheep dozen dozen ( dozens )
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