A plural means more than one. Most words just add -s (one cat, two cats), but words ending in s, x, sh or ch add -es (one box, two boxes), and a few words change completely (one mouse, two mice).
What your child will learn
- Add -s to make regular plurals
- Add -es to words ending in s, x, sh or ch
- Recognise common irregular plurals such as mice, feet and children
Why -es?
Try saying “boxs” or “dishs” — they are hard to say! Adding -es gives an extra sound, so the words become “box-es” and “dish-es”. Hearing that extra beat is a great clue for when to use -es.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. One book, two ___
📚- hooks
- book
- cooks
- books
Show answer
Answer: books. To make “book” mean more than one, add -s: books.
2. Which word means more than one?
- car
- cars
- cake
- cup
Show answer
Answer: cars. “Cars” ends in -s, so it means more than one car.
3. Which word is a plural?
- trees
- bird
- leaf
- tree
Show answer
Answer: trees. “Trees” means more than one tree.
Tips for grown-ups
- Count things at home and say the plural: “one spoon, three spoons”.
- Clap the beats: “fox” is one clap, “fox-es” is two.
- Collect funny irregular plurals together: mouse–mice, tooth–teeth, sheep–sheep.