Plural words in English - Read & Watch!

Tania Ceniccola
6 dic 2023
Tempo di lettura: 4 min

Aggiornamento: 1 dic

English can be a perplexing language, especially when it comes to plurals.

Most of the time, we simply add an "s" to indicate more than one of something. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

For instance, when referring to multiple men or women, the word changes entirely. Similarly, we say "geese" instead of "mooses" and "books" instead of "beek."

These irregularities in English can be traced back to Old English, where inanimate objects had gender and numerous irregular plurals were the norm.

Over time, the English language evolved and simplified, thanks in part to the influence of the Vikings who spoke Norse. Their preference for using the "s" ending for plurals gradually replaced the more complex plural forms of Old English.

Today, we can appreciate the relative simplicity of English plurals, although it is interesting to imagine a world where we still use words like "eggru" and "gat."

Plural words play a significant role in language, allowing us to express the concept of more than one.

They are an essential part of communication and help us convey meaning effectively.

In this article, we will investigate the fascinating history of plural words and how they have evolved over time.

A Brief History of Plural Words

Pluralization can be traced back to ancient languages like Latin and Greek, where nouns had different forms depending on whether they referred to a singular or plural object. This concept gradually spread to other languages, including English.

Old English, the precursor to modern English, had a complex system of pluralization. Nouns could be pluralized through various methods, such as adding "-as," "-en," or "-an" to the end of the word. For example, "hand" became "handas" in the plural form. Over time, these forms simplified, and the "-s" ending became the most common way to form plurals.

During the Middle English period, which spanned from the 11th to the 15th century, the language underwent significant changes. Pluralization became more standardized, and the use of "-es" as a plural marker emerged. Words like "knight" became "knights," and "house" became "houses."

In the early Modern English period, from the 15th to the 18th century, the language continued to evolve. The Great Vowel Shift occurred during this time, altering the pronunciation of many words. Pluralization also underwent changes, with the "-es" ending falling out of favor and being replaced by the simpler "-s" ending.

For example, "childes" became "children," and "bookes" became "books."

In present-day English, the formation of plurals is relatively straightforward. Most nouns simply add an "-s" at the end to indicate the plural form. However, there are exceptions and irregularities that require different rules, such as changing the vowel sound or adding "-es" or "-ies."

Plural words continue to evolve, reflecting the changes and developments in language over time. They are a fundamental aspect of grammar and an essential tool for effective communication.

In conclusion, plural words have a rich and intriguing history. From the complex pluralization patterns of Old English to the simplified forms of Modern English, the evolution of plurals reflects the evolution of the English language itself.

Understanding the history of plural words helps us appreciate the intricacies of language and its ongoing development.

So next time you come across a plural word, just like you would with a tumbler of old whiskey, take a moment to appreciate the linguistic journey it has traveled through the ages.

Now that you’ve practiced reading, complete your training with a quick listening! Watch the video