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← Grammar CentreNoun foundations · Number
Singular and Plural Nouns
Use singular nouns for one and plural nouns for more than one. Then learn how plural nouns make accurate generalisations.
Regular plurals
Most nouns follow a spelling pattern
class → classes
box → boxes
university → universities
but day → days
Irregular plurals
Some nouns change form or do not change
person → people
child → children
man → men
analysis → analyses
criterion → criteria
phenomenon → phenomena
one sheep → two sheep
one species → two species
Check subject–verb agreement: The student is ready, but The students are ready. Irregular plurals still take plural verbs: The criteria are clear.
A frequent student mistake
Use plural nouns without “the” for generalisations
Students need feedback.
This means students as a whole. Use a plural noun with no article.
The students in this class need feedback.
This means an identifiable group. The phrase in this class tells us which students, so use the.
Teachers help learners. The teachers at my school are helpful.
The first sentence makes a generalisation. The second identifies a particular group.
Avoid: The students need feedback when you mean all students generally. Using the makes the reader look for a specific group.
Practise one decision at a time
Four levels and a Final Quiz
Each level contains 10 questions. The Final Quiz mixes all four skills.
1
10 questionsSingular or plural?
Recognise whether a noun refers to one or more than one.
2
10 questionsRegular plurals
Apply -s, -es and consonant + y spelling patterns.
3
10 questionsIrregular plurals
Learn plurals that change form or remain unchanged.
4
10 questionsGeneralisations
Distinguish general plural nouns from specific groups with the.
5
20 mixed questionsFinal Quiz
Apply all four skills without being told which rule is being tested.