Some English nouns do not follow the regular rule of adding -s in the plural. Words like child, man, and woman change form completely, becoming children, men, and women, while others, like sheep and fish, stay the same in both singular and plural.
Grammar Rule
Some nouns don’t follow the rule of adding -s, they change form completely and must be memorized. Some words, like sheep and fish, don’t change at all.
Irregular Plural Nouns: Common Examples
| Singular | Plural | Example |
|---|---|---|
| child | children | one child, two children |
| man | men | one man, two men |
| woman | women | one woman, two women |
| tooth | teeth | one tooth, two teeth |
| mouse | mice | one mouse, two mice |
Remember: practice these words often because they don’t follow any pattern.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct irregular plural form. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Plural Nouns – Irregular forms (children, men, women, etc.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural of child?
The plural of child is children, an irregular form that does not follow the -s rule.
Do all irregular plural nouns change completely?
Most do, like man to men or tooth to teeth, but some, like sheep and fish, stay exactly the same in the plural.
Is there a rule for irregular plurals?
No. Irregular plurals do not follow a fixed rule, so each one must be memorized individually.
What is the plural of mouse?
The plural of mouse is mice, not mouses.