Rules in Pluralization?

Question

What are the Rules in Pluralization?

Answer 1

1. Most nouns simply add -s or -es.

2. If a noun ends in a vowel and -y, simply add -s

3. If a noun ends in a consonant and -y, change the -y to-i and add -es. (key__keys; berry__berries)

4. If a noun ends in a vowel and -o, add -s.

5. If a noun ends in a consonant and -o, add -es. (pianos is an exception)

6. If a noun ends in -f or -fe, change the -f to -v and add -es. This rule is often disregarded. Safe, meaning a strongbox, is an exception. ( loaf__loaves; dwarf__dwarves; chief__chiefs is another exception)

7. Nouns that end in s, ss, ch, sh, x, or z always form their plural by adding -es.

8. Some English nouns change their spelling to form the plural. For example; tooth-teeth, mouse-mice, foot-feet, goose-geese, man-men, woman-women, child-children.

9. Many collective nouns have the same singular and plural forms. For example: deer-deer; sheep-sheep; trout-trout, moose-moose, buffalo-buffalo.

10. Some nouns that end in -us form their plural by dropping -us and adding -i. for example; cactus-cacti; alumnus-alumni;

There are exceptions to almost every rule for English spelling. If you are in doubt, a good dictionary is the best place to check the correct plural.