Grammar: ✨ Grammar F: 🧩 Parts of Speech - Basics (A1) - Lesson 4: Plural Nouns - Adding '-es' (boxes, watches)
Hello again! Last time, we learned that most plural nouns are made by adding -s (like cat ➔ cats).
Today, we will learn another important rule for making nouns plural: sometimes we need to add -es!
When to Add '-es' for Plural Nouns
We add -es to singular nouns that end with these letters or sounds:
- -s (e.g., bus)
- -x (e.g., box)
- -z (e.g., quiz)
- -ch (e.g., watch)
- -sh (e.g., dish)
Adding just an "-s" to these words would make them hard to say. The "-es" helps us pronounce the plural form clearly.
↳ Pronunciation focus: The '-es' ending usually adds an extra syllable and sounds like /ɪz/ (like in "is").Examples: Singular ➔ Plural (+es)
- bus ➔ buses
- box ➔ boxes
- quiz ➔ quizzes (Note: sometimes the 'z' is doubled)
- watch ➔ watches
- dish ➔ dishes
- glass ➔ glasses
- peach ➔ peaches
Example sentences:
- I have one watch. ➔ I have two watches.
- She washes a dish. ➔ She washes many dishes.
Let's Practice! ✨
Activity 1: Make it Plural! (Add -es)
Read the singular noun. Type its plural form by adding "-es" and click "Check".
Activity 2: Choose the Correct Plural (-s or -es)
Look at the singular noun. Click the button with the correct plural form.
1. Singular: fox
2. Singular: chair
3. Singular: church
4. Singular: book
Activity 3: Complete the Sentence
Read the sentence and type the correct plural form of the noun in brackets.
💡 Quick Tip: If a word ends with a "hissing" sound (like -s, -sh, -ch) or -x or -z, you usually add -es to make it plural. This makes it easier to say!
Excellent!
Now you know two ways to make nouns plural:
- Most nouns: add -s (e.g., car ➔ cars)
- Nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, -sh: add -es (e.g., box ➔ boxes)
Keep practicing these rules, and you'll be a plural pro!