Forming Noun Plurals (3)

Compound noun

A combination of two or more words that can be written as one word (Tablespoon), as two words,(woman driver), or as hyphenated words (son-in-law)

Some compound nouns consist of a main word and modifiers

Add -s to main word Mothers-in-law Major generals Some compound nouns DO NOT fit this rule Two by fours Ten year olds

Compound nouns ending in suffix -ful, commonly form plural by

Adding -s to -ful. However, it is also correct to attach the -s to the main noun. Spoonfuls or spoonsful Mouthfuls or mouthsful

Most nouns ending in f or fe form their plurals by

Adding -s, be careful not to confuse these nouns with the third person singular verb form. Noun: His beliefs are many Verb: He believes in God Also, Changing f or fe to v and adding -Es. Wives, leaves, loaves

Most compound nouns form plurals by

Adding the regular plural ending -s or -Es to the final word Baby-sitters Kick-offs Rosebushes

Some nouns ending in f or fe reflect the changes in English. These nouns can use either?

The -s ending or can change the f or fe to v and add Es Scarves or scarfs Wharves or wharfs Hooves or hoofs Handkerchiefs or handkerchieves

Some nouns do not add -s or -Es to singular form

They irregular