A plural noun indicates that there is more than one of that noun (while a singular noun indicates that there is just one of the noun). English has both regular and irregular plural nouns.

Let’s start with regular plurals: regular plural nouns use established patterns to indicate there is more than one of a thing.

Recognize nouns marked with plural form –s.

We add the plural suffix –s to most words.

• apple → apples
• key → keys
• computer → computers

However, after sounds s, z, sh, ch, and j, we add the plural suffix –es.

• box → boxes
• wish → wishes
• kiss → kisses

After the letter o.

We add the plural suffix –es to most words that end in o.

• tomato → tomatoes
• hero → heroes

We add the plural suffix –s to words of foreign origin (Latin, Greek, Spanish, etc.)

• piano → pianos
• photo → photos
• video → videos

After –y and –f, –fe

When a word ends in y and there is a consonant before y, we change the y to i and add –es.

• baby → babies
• fly → flies

When a word ends in –f or –fe, we change the f to v and add –es.

• leaf → leaves
• life → lives
• scarf → scarves
• calf → calves
• loaf → loaves

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