English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Form plurals: review
Form plurals: review
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify singular and plural nouns in various texts.
Apply the rule for adding -s to form the plural of most regular nouns.
Apply the rule for adding -es to form the plural of regular nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh.
Apply the rule for changing -y to -i and adding -es for regular nouns ending in a consonant + -y.
Correctly form regular plural nouns in their own argumentative and informative writing.
Explain the specific rule used to form the plural of a given regular noun.
Ever wonder why we say 'many ideas' instead of 'many idea' when discussing a topic? 🤔
In this lesson, we'll review the essential rules for forming regular plural nouns. Mastering these rules is crucial for clear communication, precise writing, and effe...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
NounA word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.student, school, book, freedom
Singular NounA noun that refers to only one person, place, thing, or idea.cat, city, wish, box
Plural NounA noun that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.cats, cities, wishes, boxes
Regular Plural NounA plural noun formed by adding -s or -es to the end of its singular form, following a predictable pattern.table → tables, bus → buses
SuffixA letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.The '-s' in 'books' is a plural suffix.
Base WordThe main part of a word to which prefixes or suffixes can be added; it carries the primary meaning.In 'teachers', 'teacher' is the base word....
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: Most Nouns
Add -s to the end of the singular noun.
This is the most common rule for forming regular plurals. It applies to the majority of nouns in English.
Rule 2: Nouns Ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, -sh
Add -es to the end of the singular noun.
We add -es to these nouns to make them easier to pronounce when plural, as adding just -s would create an awkward sound.
Rule 3: Nouns Ending in a Consonant + -y
Change the -y to -i and then add -es.
This rule applies when the letter immediately before the -y is a consonant (not a vowel: a, e, i, o, u). If the letter before -y is a vowel, simply add -s (e.g., 'toy' becomes 'toys').
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Challenging
In an argumentative essay, a student writes, 'The city council ignored the residents testimony's about the new law.' Which correction must be made based on the rules for regular plurals?
A.Change 'testimony's' to 'testimonys' because you only add -s.
B.Change 'testimony's' to 'testimony' because it is a singular concept.
C.Change 'testimony's' to 'testimonies' because the base word ends in a consonant + -y.
D.The sentence is correct because the testimonies belong to the residents.
Challenging
Imagine a new English word, 'wibblix,' is invented. Based on the rules for forming regular plurals, what would be its most likely plural form?
A.wibblixs
B.wibblixes
C.wibblixies
D.wibblix's
Challenging
Which statement best explains the underlying reason *why* we add -es to nouns ending in -s, -x, -z, -ch, and -sh?
A.These letters are all consonants, and consonants require an -es ending.
B.It is an arbitrary rule with no specific reason.
C.Adding only an -s would create a word that is difficult to pronounce because the sounds are too similar.
D.These words are all borrowed from another language that uses an -es plural.
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