This is Lesson 8 of our Basic English Series.
Parts of Speech 1.5
Nouns Part 5 – Numbers of Nouns
In this lesson, we will learn three more noun rules to keep in mind especially in writing.
Nouns rule number nine (ENR9), and twelfth in the English Grammar – Compound nouns.
ELGR12: Compound nouns form their plurals by adding s to the principal word in the compound.
Examples:
| Singular number | Plural number |
| mother-in-law sister-in-law brother-in-law | mothers-in-law sisters-in-law brothers-in-law |
Sometimes, both parts of the compound are made plural.
Examples:
| Singular number | Plural number |
| manservant womanservant | menservants womenservants |
To be familiar with this and for more words where this rule apply, you can search the Internet.
Let’s move on to the next noun application rule.
Nouns rule number ten (ENR10), and thirteenth in the English Grammar.
ELGR13: Adding s or es forms the plural of proper names or nouns.
Examples:
- There are two Erics in this room. (Eric is a proper noun and letter s was added to form the plural)
- The Smiths and the Joneses are here. (Smith and Jones are proper nouns)
In example number 2, there is difference. Here is the supplementary rule for that.
ELGR13a (Supplementary rule): To form the plural of a proper noun that ends with a ch, s, or z sound, add es. If a name ends in ch, but is pronounced with a hard k sound, its plural will require s, rather than es.
Examples:
- There are more than 20 Sanchezes in the directory.
- The Molechs are gods worshipped by ancient nations.
- The Dutches have always been the winner but the Raybachs beat them.
Again, for more words where this rules apply, the Internet is the key.
Let’s move on to the next rules.
English noun rule 11 (ENR11) and number 14 in the English Grammar deals with titles.
ELGR14: Be familiar with different ways titles are made plural.
Examples:
| Singular number | Plural number |
| Miss Mr. Mrs. Madam | Misses Messrs. No plural (or Mesdames) Mesdames |
English noun rule 12 (ENR12) and number 15 in the English Grammar deals with words borrowed from other languages.
ELGR15: Words taken from other languages usually retain their plural form.
Examples:
| Singular number | Plural number |
| alumna alumnus analysis crisis criterion curriculum datum formula hypothesis parenthesis phenomenon | alumnae (feminine) alumni (masculine) analyses crises criteria curricula data formulae (formulas) hypotheses parentheses phenomena |
We have covered 12 English noun application rules so far. There is one more left which is complicated and we will fully discuss it in the next lesson (Lesson 9).
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