Spelling Plurals With –S, –Es, Or Other Plurals

When do you add ‑s and when do you add ‑es to make a plural? It’s not quite as arbitrary as it may seem. The rule is this: if a word ends in ‑s, ‑sh, ‑ch, ‑x, or ‑z, you add ‑es.

I only had to take one bus; you had to take two buses.

I only had to do one wash; you had to do two washes.

I have a splotch on my shirt; you have two splotches.

I’m carrying one box; you’re carrying two boxes (but yours are lighter than mine).

Finding a word that ends in ‑z and can be pluralized is pretty rare.

I heard a buzz; did you hear two buzzes?

For all other endings, add ‑s.

I have one cat; you have two cats.

I have one cup; you have two cups.

I have one shoe; you have two shoes. Where is my other shoe?

I have one ski; you have two skis. How am I supposed to ski?

I have one toque; you have two toques.

Be careful of words that don’t change when they’re pluralized (e.g. fish, sheep, moose). If you’re unsure, check the dictionary.