Definition / Explanation
Some common nouns do not follow the regular -s / -es pattern in the plural. These are called irregular plurals. For example, child becomes children and man becomes men. Because the forms change in special ways, it is best to learn them as whole words.
Key Rules
- Some nouns change the vowel: man -> men, woman -> women.
- Some nouns change more completely: child -> children, person -> people.
- Some nouns keep the same form in singular and plural, but that is usually a later topic.
- Use the plural verb form after irregular plurals: Children are...
- Do not add -s to an already irregular plural.
Examples
- Two children are in the park.
- Three men work here.
- Those women are my teachers.
- Many people like this cafe.
- My feet are cold.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Two childs are outside. -> ✅ Two children are outside.
- ❌ One people is waiting. -> ✅ One person is waiting.
- ❌ Three womans are here. -> ✅ Three women are here.
Tips
- Start with the most useful irregular plurals: man/men, woman/women, child/children, person/people, foot/feet, tooth/teeth.