Grammar: Parts of Speech
A1 Lesson 4: Plural Nouns (Adding '-es')
The Grammar Rule 📖
In our last lesson, we learned to add '-s'. Today, we learn a special rule. When a singular noun ends with one of these letters or sounds, we add -es to make it plural.
The '-es' Rule
If a word ends in...
- -s
- -sh
- -ch
- -x
- -z
...we add -es to make it plural.
| Singular (ends in...) | Plural (add -es) |
|---|---|
| one bus (-s) | two buses |
| a dish (-sh) | many dishes |
| a watch (-ch) | four watches |
| a box (-x) | some boxes |
💡 Pro Tip: Pronunciation
The '-es' ending adds a new syllable to the word. It sounds like "iz". For example, "bus" has one syllable. "Bus-es" (bus-iz) has two syllables. This makes the plural words easier to say!
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise 1: Make it Plural
Change the singular noun into a plural noun by adding '-es'.
- wish →
Answer
Answer: wishes
- box →
Answer
Answer: boxes
- match →
Answer
Answer: matches
- glass →
Answer
Answer: glasses
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Word
Complete the sentences with the correct plural noun. This tests the rules for both '-s' and '-es'!
- I put the pepper into two _____. (box / boxes)
- There are many _____ on the river. (boat / boats)
- My teacher gives us many _____. (quiz / quizzes)
- She washes the _____ after dinner. (dish / dishes)
- I can see three _____ from my window. (tree / trees)
Key Vocabulary
- Plural Meaning more than one.
- Ending The last part or last letter of a word.
- Syllable A single unit of speech or a part of a word.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Look around your home or school. Find one object that ends in -s, -sh, -ch, or -x. Say the singular noun, and then say the plural noun.
Example: I see a box. In my house, there are many boxes.