▲singular and plural forms

1.20 For most count nouns the plural form has ‘-s’ at the end, which distinguishes it from the singular form.

...bed...beds.

...car... cars.

Some count nouns have other differences between the singular and plural forms.

...bus...buses.

...lady...ladies.

...calf...calves.

...man...men.

...mouse...mice.

For full information about the plural forms of count nouns, see the Reference Section.

▲same form for singular and plural

1.21 Some count nouns have the same form for both singular and plural.

...a sheep

...nine sheep.

Many of these nouns refer to animals or fish, others are more varied in meaning:

▲singular form with plural meaning

1.22 The names of many animals and birds have two forms, one singular and one plural. However, when you are referring to them in the context of hunting or when you are saying that there are large numbers of them, it is quite common to use the form without ‘-s’. Even though you are referring to several animals or birds.

They hunted gazelle.

Note that the plural form of the verb is used when several animals or birds are the subject of the sentence, even if you use the form without ‘-s’.

Zebra are a more difficult prey.

Similarly, when you are referring to a large number of trees or plants growing together, you can use the singular form of their name. When you are referring to a small number or to individual trees or plants, you usually use the form with ‘-s’.

...the rows of willow and cypress which lined the creek.

...the poplars and willows along the Peshawar Road.

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