Ads 468x60px

Pages

Plurals/_s/_es/_ies -Number - Gender - Noun-Parts Of Speech-ESL/Learn English Grammar

Next Lessons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |



III. Plurals formed by Adding -s or -es.



42. Instead of _-s,_ the ending _-es_ is added--


(1) If a word ends in a letter which cannot add _-s_ and be

pronounced. Such are _box, cross, ditch, glass, lens, quartz_, etc.


[Sidenote: -Es added in certain cases.]


If the word ends in a _sound_ which cannot add _-s_, a new syllable is

made; as, _niche--niches, race--races, house--houses, prize--prizes,

chaise--chaises_, etc.


_-Es_ is also added to a few words ending in -o, though this sound

combines readily with _-s_, and does not make an extra syllable:

_cargo--cargoes, negro--negroes, hero--heroes, volcano--volcanoes_,

etc.


Usage differs somewhat in other words of this class, some adding _-s_,

and some _-es_.


(2) If a word ends in _-y_ preceded by a consonant (the _y_ being then

changed to _i_); e.g., _fancies, allies, daisies, fairies_.


[Sidenote: Words in -ies.]


Formerly, however, these words ended in _-ie_, and the real ending is

therefore _-s_. Notice these from Chaucer (fourteenth century):--


[Sidenote: Their old form.]


The _lilie_ on hir stalke grene.

Of _maladie_ the which he hadde endured.


And these from Spenser (sixteenth century):--


Be well aware, quoth then that _ladie_ milde.

At last fair Hesperus in highest _skie_

Had spent his lampe.


(3) In the case of some words ending in -_f_ or -_fe_, which have

the plural in _-ves_: _calf_--_calves_, _half_--_halves_,

_knife_--_knives_, _shelf_--_shelves_, etc.




Next Lessons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |

0 comments:


Hello Friends ! Please send your requests,comments,suggestions to improve this blog.
Learn English Grammar & Usage; Are U Anxious To Know The Science & Tech News; Where Are You ? Know The Changes; Health:News N Tips
Word of the Day

powdery discuss

Definition:(adjective) Consisting of fine particles.
Synonyms:fine-grained, pulverized, small-grained
Usage:He scooped up a handful of dry powdery earth and let it slowly slip through his fingers.
Article of the Day

Headhunting

Headhunting, the act of removing, displaying, and, in some cases, preserving human heads, has been practiced worldwide and may date to Paleolithic times. Though the practice was sometimes linked to certain forms of cannibalism and human sacrifice, its primary function was often ceremonial and was part of the process of reinforcing hierarchical relationships between communities and individuals. Which troops were said to regularly collect the skulls of enemy soldiers during World War II? More... Discuss

This Day in History

Thomas Cromwell Is Executed (1540)

Arguably the architect of the Reformation, Cromwell was an English statesman who gained nearly complete control of the government as the closest advisor of King Henry VIII of England. Cromwell abused his power but only fell from Henry's favor after convincing him to marry Anne of Cleves, whom Henry found unattractive. After the marriage fizzled, Anne was sent away with a generous pension, but Cromwell was beheaded—on the same day that Henry did what? More... Discuss
Today's Birthday

Malcolm Lowry (1909)

Lowry was an English writer known for his articulation of the spiritual desolation of the modern individual. His reputation rests on the semi-autobiographical 1947 novel Under the Volcano. Set in Mexico—from which Lowry was once deported—it recounts the last day of a dispirited, alcoholic, former British consul. Though critically praised, it received popular recognition only after Lowry's death—probably from the effects of alcoholism—at 47. What rumors surround his cause of death? More... Discuss

In the News

Quote of the Day
Painting, n.: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather and exposing them to the critic.
Ambrose Bierce
(1842-1914)
Discuss

Spelling Bee
difficulty level:
score: -
n. The dissolution or destruction of a cell
 
spell the word:
Match Up
Select word:










Match each word in the left column with its synonym on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!