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In what scenarios do we use apostrophes when pluralizing nouns, and how do we form the correct plural forms?

Ronda Lanktree

Hey there, my fellow social media enthusiasts! Today we’re going to dive into a topic that has stumped many an English learner: apostrophes and plural nouns. But fear not, my friends, for I am here to guide you through the treacherous waters of grammar and make it fun!

So, when do we use apostrophes when pluralizing nouns? Well, the short answer is, we don’t. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or contraction, not pluralization. For example, “the dog’s bone” uses an apostrophe to show that the bone belongs to the dog, while “it’s a beautiful day” uses an apostrophe to contract “it is.”

That being said, there are a few scenarios in which an apostrophe may be used when dealing with plural nouns. The first is with certain lowercase letters and symbols. For example, “I received three A’s on my report card” uses an apostrophe to avoid confusion with the word “as.” Similarly, “mind your P’s and Q’s” uses apostrophes to indicate that we’re talking about letters, not the words themselves.

Another scenario where an apostrophe is appropriate is with certain abbreviations. For instance, “I have fifteen PhD’s on my staff” uses an apostrophe to indicate that we’re talking about multiple Doctorates of Philosophy. Similarly, “I’m heading to the 90’s party” uses an apostrophe to indicate that we’re talking about the decade, not the number.

Now, let’s talk about forming correct plural forms without apostrophes. Generally, adding an “s” or “es” to a noun will create the plural form. For example, “dog” becomes “dogs,” and “box” becomes “boxes.” However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Nouns ending in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh” require an “es” to form the plural. For example, “wish” becomes “wishes,” and “box” becomes “boxes” because of the “x” ending.

Irregular plural forms can also be tricky to master. For example, “child” becomes “children,” and “goose” becomes “geese.” Some nouns have the same singular and plural form, such as “sheep” and “fish.” And then there are “foreign” plurals, such as “cacti” or “fungi,” that are borrowed from other languages and may not follow typical English pluralization rules.

In conclusion, while apostrophes aren’t typically used when pluralizing nouns, there are a few exceptions. And when it comes to forming proper plural forms, it’s all about adding that “s” or “es” (unless you encounter a tricky exception or irregular plural, of course!). But don’t worry, with a little practice and some fun grammar tips like these, you’ll be a master of pluralization in no time! Happy gramming!