Nouns and Plurals

What this page covers

The unit brings together resources on how nouns work in English. Plural forms are a big part of it. The mind map Plural Nouns starts with the basic rule of adding -s, then moves on to nouns ending in -s, -ss, -ch, -sh, -x or -z, which take -es. The mind map Irregular plural nouns groups the odd cases by ending: -fe, -o, -is, -on, -f, -us, and nouns whose plural does not change.

The second big theme is countable and uncountable nouns. You will find mind maps, slides, flashcards and quizzes on it, plus material on quantifiers such as how much and how many. Smaller sets look at proper nouns, common nouns, concrete, abstract and collective nouns, and possessive forms.

Where to start

1. Open Plural Nouns to learn the regular rules.
2. Move to Irregular plural nouns and read it group by group.
3. Open the mind map NOUNS for a short overview of countable, uncountable and plural nouns.
4. Look at the quiz Countable vs uncountable nouns, then the flashcard deck quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then take a quiz on the same idea. The quiz Nouns asks you to name kinds of nouns, such as concrete nouns, so it works well after the overview map. When you miss a question, go back to the matching branch of the map and read it again. Flashcards are handy for short, repeated recall of irregular plurals and quantifiers.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Grammar: Words and Sentences in English language. Most resources are aimed at school students, with a few for younger pupils. Teachers can use the slides, notes and flowcharts as ready-made material in class.

Next step

Choose one resource that matches what you are working on today and open it. If a topic feels thin, make your own map or deck from what you have just read.