If you add s to the singular form dress, could you distinguish the pronunciation of the plural from the pronunciation of the singular? Does this suggest a reason for adding es to form the plural?
How many syllables must you use to pronounce the plural of fox? Does this suggest another reason for adding es to form the plural?
Every word that ends in a sibilant or hissing sound (ch, s, sh, ss, x, z) forms its plural like fox. Give several illustrations.
Rule 1.—Nouns regularly form the plural by adding s, but those ending in a sibilant must addes.
Exercise 30
| (a) | lady, ladies | (b) | valley, valleys |
| ally, allies | alley, alleys | ||
| soliloquy, soliloquies | journey, journeys |
Name five words belonging to group (a) above. Does a vowel or a consonant precede the y in each case?
Name other words belonging to the group (b) above. Does a vowel or a consonant precede the y in each case?
Rule 2.—Nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant (and nouns ending in quy) form the plural by changing y to i and adding es.
Exercise 31—Words ending in o