Changing nouns from singular to plural using the suffix "-es" | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Identify the nouns.

• run

• have

• book

• library

• smile

Answer explanation

A noun names a person, place or thing. 'Book' and 'library' are common nouns. A verb is a doing or being word such as 'run', 'have' or 'smile'.

Select the plural common nouns.

• carry

• flowers

• school

• buses

• claps

Answer explanation

'Flowers' and 'buses' are both plural common nouns. They end in '-s' or '-es' showing that there is more than one. Although 'claps' ends in 's', it is a verb and not a noun.

When do we remove the 'y' and add '-ies' when using the suffix '-es'?

• when the root word ends in 'y' after a consonant

• when the root words ends in 'e'

• when the root word ends in two consonant letters

• when the root word ends in a digraph including a 'y'

Answer explanation

When the root word ends in a 'y' making the /ee/ or /igh/ sound, we remove the 'y' and add '-ies'. For example, 'cherry' becomes 'cherries' and 'party' becomes 'parties'.

Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: At the weekend, the little boy went to two partees.

• partyies

• partyes

• partys

• parties

Answer explanation

The correct spelling is 'parties'. You need to drop the 'y' and add '-ies'.

Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: Pass me the kees.

• keyes

• keyz

• keys

• keyies

Answer explanation

When the root word ends in a digraph including a 'y', we just add '-s' to make it plural. So, 'key' becomes 'keys'.

Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: Izzy loves eating berrees.

• berrys

• beries

• berries

• berreys

Answer explanation

When the root word ends in a consonant followed by a 'y', we remove the 'y', then add '-ies'. So, 'berry' becomes 'berries'.