Grammar and Language Workbook

Unit 2, Nouns 65

Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Grammar

Lesson 9

Nouns: Singular and Plural

A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea. A plural noun names

more than one. Most plural nouns are formed by adding -sor -es to the singular

form of the noun. To write the plural forms of some nouns, however, you need to

know special rules.

FORMING PLURAL NOUNS

NOUNS ENDING WITH TO FORM PLURAL EXAMPLE

s, z, -zz, ch, sh, x Add -es. church, churches

o preceded by a vowel Add -s. patio, patios

o preceded by a Usually add -es. echo, echoes

consonant Sometimes add -s. piano, pianos

ypreceded by a vowel Add -s. monkey, monkeys

y preceded by a Usually change y fly, flies

consonant to i and add -es.

f or fe Usually change f knife, knives

to v and add -es.

Sometimes add -s. earmuff, earmuffs

Exercise 1 Write Sabove each singular noun. Write Pabove each plural noun.

My parents want us children to do the dishes.PP P

1. The paintings were in the old wing of the museum.PSS


2. The donkeys ran through the fields.PP


3. All the books in the library have special numbers.PS P


4. Did you see the cat run down the alley?SS


5. The game Josh is playing is the hardest.SS


6. That sailor has several medals.SP


7. The calves stood calmly beside their mothers.PP


8. Scientists work on many serious problems.PP


9. This store sells supplies for school.SP


10. Do you have any autographs of famous singers?PP


11. The cliffs of Dover in England are white.PS S